Project to revamp major part of Leigh town centre takes vital step forward

Project to revamp major part of Leigh town centre takes vital step forward

Works will begin to revamp Leigh town centre later this month as part of a wider regeneration project

A project to revamp a major part of Leigh town centre has taken another vital step forward, with planned work just weeks away.

At a cabinet meeting on Thursday, 25 September, councillors approved a recommendation for Bethell Group PLC to complete improvement works at Civic Square and Market Place, meaning that residents can expect to see visible progress in the coming weeks.

With work set to begin at the end of October, the project is part of Leigh’s Local Regeneration Fund after Wigan Council secured £11.4m from central government. Formerly known as the Levelling Up Fund, revamped shop fronts and refurbishing Leigh Market are also part of the plans.

Councillor David Molyneux MBE, Leader of Wigan Council, said: “The Civic Square and Market Place projects are major parts of the plans to transform Leigh town centre.

“Although there will be inevitable disruption when the improvement works get going, they will represent a significant milestone in Leigh’s regeneration project, with residents set to see visible progress in our efforts to improve the town centre.

“The works are necessary to improve the landscape and infrastructure in the town centre, and to create a safer, more attractive environment for all.”

As part of the improvement works, new paving, plants, trees, and seats will be installed at Civic Square to enhance the look and feel of the town centre area.

With plans for Civic Square to become much more of an attractive and flexible community event space, the improvements will build on previous successful events held at the square, including the Women’s Euros fan park, King’s Coronation, Leigh Feasts, and Leigh Frost Festival.

Working alongside the Leigh, Atherton & Tyldesley Heritage Group, a heritage timeline has also been designed to feature key events from the square’s past.

Additionally, the square’s Believe Stars will be refreshed while local poet Louise Fazackerley has created a poem that reflects on the square’s history and will be carved into the new paving. This has been developed with input from a local youth group, Leigh Young Writers.

As part of the wider Civic Square improvements, works to improve the infrastructure of the surrounding area will also take place, with upgrades planned for the adjoining Market Place, Market Street and King Street.

The works will create new crossing points, improve paving and surfacing, and relocate bus stops to create a safer, more attractive environment between Market Place and Bradshawgate. The current 'split' caused by the major road corridor will also be reduced, improving pedestrian experience and connectivity in the town centre.

As part of the upcoming improvement works, several trees will need to be removed on Civic Square as their roots are affecting the surface of the square. These will be replaced with a similar number of new trees to open up the square, creating more space, better visibility, and a safer environment.

Improvement works are planned to take place from Market Place from Monday, 20 October and from Monday, 27 October at Civic Square, with the projects estimated to be completed in April and July respectively. Temporary traffic management will be in place throughout the works, with Doctors Nook car park set to be closed for contractor use.

Community events such as and the Remembrance Sunday parade and Christmas light switch on will be rearranged to another location due to the disruptive nature of the works.

Additionally, scaffolding has also been installed down one side of Leigh Town Hall due to planned filming taking place at the site. A temporary pavement closure has been in place on a section of Market Place and will remain until Friday, 17 October. After this, there will be a walkway for pedestrian access. 

Keith Cunliffe, Deputy Leader of Wigan Council and councillor for Leigh Central and Higher Folds, added: “This is a really exciting time for Leigh and there is a lot to look forward to.

“The improvement works will mark the start of Leigh’s regeneration project, and combined with other plans, they will help to make the town a safer and more vibrant place to live, work, visit and shop.”