Plans to restore empty high street buildings and breathe new life into Leigh town centre

Plans to restore empty high street buildings and breathe new life into Leigh town centre

A project to breathe new life into vacant units in Leigh town centre has taken an exciting step forward.

Following a cabinet meeting on Thursday 25th September, a public consultation will be launched about designating a High Street Rental Auction (HSRA) zone in Leigh, aiming to bring long term vacant properties back into use.

Councillor David Molyneux MBE, Leader of Wigan Council, said: “High Street Rental Auction zones are a great way to re-engage with landlords of long-term empty buildings and make our town centres thrive.

“The council recognises the impact that empty buildings have on the high street, and the HSRA represents an exciting opportunity to take action on vacant units and breathe new life into Leigh town centre.”

Jo Platt, MP for Leigh and Atherton, added: "High Street Rental Auctions is a fantastic piece of new legislation that supports the revitalisation of our high streets, and I welcome the council’s announcement about the upcoming public consultation. These powers will finally put absent landlords on notice. Bring your properties back into use or we’ll find someone who can”

Following new legislation that came into force in December 2024, HSRAs can be used to encourage building owners to re-engage with prospective tenants and bring their properties back into use.

However, if a landlord fails to engage, or there is little co-operation with the local authority, a HSRA auction can be progressed to match eligible premises with a business, community, or residential tenant.

As long-term empty units have had an impact on footfall and the vitality of Leigh town centre, the initiative is hoped to breathe new life into the high street and make more premises available for occupation.

The scheme hopes to complement the wider £11.4m Levelling Up project in Leigh town centre, which plans to revamp Civic Square, refurbish Leigh Market, and use a building grant scheme to repair and improve high street shop fronts.

The location of the HSRA zone is proposed to be along all of Bradshawgate, as well as parts of Market Street, Lord Street, and Railway Road, with a 28-day public consultation being launched at on Monday 6th October.