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VOLUME 2 LEIGH TOWN CENTRE >>>

THE PLAN

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FOREWORDCONTENTSLeigh is a town with a rich, illustrious history and an exciting and vibrant future.

As you will discover when you read this masterplan document, Leigh has a multitude of inspirational regeneration and growth opportunities.

For the first time in a long time Leigh is no longer turning its back on its historic waterways but is instead using its famous canals as catalysts for change.

The canals are the blue arteries of the town – waterways which are inspiring new development and creative and attractive living space.

This masterplan highlights the enormous potential the likes of Bridgewater Urban Village and Westleigh Waterfront have for waterside living, enhanced by excellence in design.

What has been achieved already at Pennington Wharf Marina shows the power of Leigh’s canals to deliver transformational change with the right vision.

We very much welcome new partnerships

with businesses inspired by this vision and want to help us make it a reality.

If the canals are its arteries, the town centre is Leigh’s heart.

The council is committing millions to regenerating Leigh town centre to make it a more welcoming and attractive centre for shoppers, visitors and businesses.

Leigh town centre has a strong business and retail community with a thriving indoor market and a local catchment area of 120,000 people.

We are looking for support from the private sector to help accelerate regeneration.

To deliver the facilities and spaces that communities deserve, we, the private and public sector, need to work together to make that happen.

A great success story of this partnership working is the Leigh guided busway.

Infrastructure funded by the public sector and a successful service now operated by the private sector delivering over two

million passenger journeys in just over a year.

We are determined to continue to enable growth in Leigh, to put our efforts into taking quick decisions, streamlining processes and working with private sector partners to enable delivery.

The time is right; the next few years are critical. We pledge to work tirelessly to realise Leigh’s full potential and to unlock regeneration and economic wealth for the borough as a whole.

CLLR DAVID MOLYNEUX

DEPUTY LEADER OF WIGAN COUNCIL/ PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR REGENERATION

A foreword by Cllr David Molyneux

01 Introduction 4

02 Leigh Today 10

03 Our Vision 14

04 Delivery 40

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01 Exciting things are happening in Greater Manchester. As the biggest economy and most populous city in the Northern Powerhouse, Greater Manchester is ‘turning heads’. The borough of Wigan is emerging as a key player in the success of Greater Manchester – contributing £4.2 billion to the economy each year.

Over the next 10-years the economy of the borough is anticipated to grow to £5.2 billion, and we want to deliver 10,000 new jobs and 10,000 new homes. As the second largest town in the borough - Leigh will play a central role in this growth.

INTROWhilst socially Leigh very much identifies with Manchester, it shouldn’t be forgotten that it is also close to Liverpool City Region and Warrington too. As such, Leigh is exceptionally well positioned to continue to grow.

We want to build upon recent successes in Leigh, such as the £50m investment at The Loom retail and leisure complex, the Guided Busway or the world class facilities at Leigh Sports Village. We suggest this is just the beginning of a special period for Leigh, as several opportunities have been identified to further boost the economy and transform the town. Bradshawgate, Leigh. Google Maps.

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THIS DOCUMENT

This Investment Framework sets out our objectives and aspirations for Leigh, outlining a number of ambitious growth areas and regeneration priorities – building upon existing successes.

This document does not limit itself to the town centre, as we firmly believe that Leigh has much more than that to offer. Whilst the town centre is indeed a core priority within this document, it is one of a series of Strategic Growth Areas that have been identified and has a significant economic geography within the North West.

Enhancing the vibrancy and attractiveness of Leigh as a place to live, work and play is central to this strategy. This document sets out our aspirations for a series of Strategic Growth Areas; made up of a mixture of new development sites and regeneration areas.

Canal Festival, Leigh.

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Although it is a town of approximately 50,000 people, understanding it’s true footprint reveals that it actually functions as an asset to over 120,000 people.

This includes many smaller settlements where people travel to Leigh for employment, retail, leisure, education, healthcare and other services.

CONNECTED FOR GROWTH

Sandwiched between the A580 East Lancs Road, M6, M60, M58 and M61, as well as close to the M62 and M56, Leigh is one of the best connected towns in the North West.

The closest major rail hub is Wigan, providing frequent local and national services. Other local services are also available from Atherton and Newton-le-Willows. Leigh is a short drive from both Manchester and Liverpool International Airports, too – providing invaluable global connections.

The North West’s first guided busway provides a highly reliable, low-emissions bus service between Leigh and Manchester along a prioritised route. The scheme connects communities and business centres along the route, and reduces peak journey times to/from Manchester by 30-minutes. The multi-award winning hybrid bus service features Wi-Fi, USB charging points, comfy leather seating and climate control – all of which significantly enhance passenger experience.

Leigh Guided Busway.

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02Leigh is a place steeped in history.

A powerhouse in its own right during the Industrial Revolution and beyond; Leigh was synonymous with silk, cotton and coal production. Today, whilst glorious red-brick mills stand proud to that history, Leigh is probably better known for rugby league and as a vibrant market town serving a strong community.

Whilst that history is evident in the pride and identity of Leigh’s people, it is also not a place afraid of moving forwards. The Local Plan and draft Greater Manchester Spatial Framework both identify Leigh as a significant contributor to housebuilding within the region, a clear sign that Leigh is a place where people want to live.

We’re not just making strides in housing and transport either – any truly great place must offer more than just that. Leigh Sports Village is home to professional rugby league team Leigh Centurions, whilst Pennington Flash Country Park offers stunning walking, cycling and even sailing.

All-in-all, Leigh is fast becoming a rising star within the Manchester City Region.

LEIGH TODAY

Leigh Centurions. Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Leigh Market.

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TOWN CENTRE

Leigh Town Centre primarily comprises Bradshawgate, the Spinning Gate Shopping Centre, the Indoor Market and The Loom. Bradshawgate is a traditional High Street, comprising a mix of national and independent retailers with an existing loyal customer base. However, like many high streets across the UK, there are sites available and there is room for improvement and investment. The Spinning Gate Shopping Centre offers 40 retail units. The Indoor Market is large, popular and thriving. The Loom is the most recent addition to the town centre – a £50m cinema and restaurant complex. Car parking is in good supply and well located.

SPORTS VILLAGE

Leigh Sports Village provides state of the art facilities for sport, physical activity, education, health and leisure, serving the whole community. The Village is a £50 million multi-use sports, hotel, conference, retail and housing development with the centrepiece being Leigh Sports Village Stadium – a 12,000 capacity stadium which is home to professional Super League team Leigh Centurions, along with Manchester United u23s.

PENNINGTON FLASH

Pennington Flash is a country park offering visitors a wide range of things to do and see. Created at the turn of the 20th century by coal mining subsidence, Pennington Flash is now an extensive nature reserve and a classic example of natural regeneration. The lake and surrounding marshland provide a suitable habitat for a variety of rare birds and wildlife species. A network of footpaths surround the lake, enabling visitors to enjoy the beautiful wildlife and breath-taking scenery. It is rated highly in ‘Things to do in Leigh’ on TripAdvisor and also boasts the ‘Certificate of Excellence’.

THE CANALS

Two major canals meet in the centre of Leigh – the Leeds-Liverpool Canal and the Bridgewater Canal. Often described as England’s first true canal, the Bridgewater Canal stretches from Leigh to Runcorn via Manchester, whilst the Leeds-Liverpool is a 127-mile long stretch of waterway. Boating, cycling, walking, fishing, attractions, and food and drink provide a variety of activities along the canals.

PARSONAGE

The Parsonage is a modern retail, employment and housing area which takes its name from the Parsonage Colliery – a coal mine which operated on the site until 1992. It is home to a number of retail units such as Sainsbury’s, M&S Food, Aldi, Argos, B&M, Currys, Next, JD Sports, TK Maxx and Halfords. In addition to this, the Parsonage also boasts restaurants, pubs, a gym and over 1,000 free parking spaces. A number of important employers are also located here, such as AB World foods. Parsonage provides a different and complementary offer to the traditional town centre.

PENNINGTON WHARF MARINA

This man-made inlet was cut from reclaimed land, providing a new waterfront setting for residents and visitors. The Canal & Rivers Trust has created 58 moorings at the Marina, providing a great location with excellent access to the national canal network. Development is underway at the adjacent Pennington Wharf to create 471 high-quality, sustainable and spacious homes. The housing scheme has been given a CEEQUAL award for its pioneering sustainable design. Sales have been exceptionally strong here, and new opportunities exist to provide amenities such as cafes, a community centre and retail units – to serve the new community of over 1,000 people and the significant number of visitors.

Artist impression, Leigh. Total Rugby League. Pennington Flash. Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Parsonage Retail, Leigh. Pennington Wharf Marina.

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03 By focusing new development along the Canal Corridor, we can add value to Leigh as a place and provide a real catalyst for economic development. Using the canal corridor as the spine for development in Leigh will allow us to create better places for residents, visitors and businesses alike.

OUR VISION

Pennington Wharf Marina. © Taylor Wimpey. Artist impression.

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This important green infrastructure corridor provides a waterside setting that can spark regeneration and add significant value to development.

Our vision for Leigh is based upon four core principles:

ENHANCING OUR PLACE

Quality of place is paramount to thriving towns. A series of interventions are set out throughout this chapter which seek to increase the quality of the existing built environment, and ensure future development is of a high standard.

STRENGTHENING OUR ENTERPRISE

We recognise that both new and existing businesses require support. We will continue to nurture our strong independent offer, whilst simultaneously complementing and enhancing our distinctiveness with new development. Our business community is strong and recognises the importance of working together and welcoming new business.

EMPOWERING OUR PEOPLE

At the core of the Investment Framework is a desire to help our people realise their ambitions. Promoting investments in the people of the town through education, job growth and access to employment will ensure that their success is evident throughout the town.

Town Centre Regeneration

Business and Enterprise

Industrial and Manufacturing

Housing

Leisure

Town Centre

Bridgewater Urban Village

Pennington Wharf Marina

North Leigh Park

Westleigh Waterfront

Parsonage

Leigh Sports Village

Bridgewater Canal

Conservation Area

Leigh Commerce

Park

Town Centre

Pennington Wharf Marina

North Leigh Park

Westleigh Waterfront

Leigh Sports Village

Bridgewater Urban Village

Leigh Commerce Park

Bridgewater Canal Conservation Area

Parsonage

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PROVIDING SUPPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE

We recognise that infrastructure is the network that connects people, places and enterprise together. We want the people of Leigh to have better connections to education, employment, services and leisure facilities.

Our vision for Leigh has been developed by focusing on 9 ‘Strategic Growth Areas’ across the town.

These Strategic Growth Areas have been identified due to their significant potential to provide the homes, jobs or leisure space that Leigh requires.

By focusing upon these areas, this Investment Framework provides a toolkit to take Leigh ‘up a notch’ in the hierarchy of UK towns.

Albion Street, Leigh. Artist impression.

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03:01 LEIGH TOWN CENTRE

THE AREA

Leigh Town Centre is comprised of several different character areas, which largely pivot around Bradshawgate and the Spinning Gate Shopping Centre. The town centre serves a significant catchment and provides a collection of independents and national chains. It is a busy, vibrant and lively area that enjoys comparatively high occupancy rates.

OUR OBJECTIVES

Improve the Profile and Image of Leigh Town Centre

We believe that some of the biggest advances can be made in improving the overall quality of the urban environment of the town centre. Enhancements to public realm, street trees, shop frontages and public seating can have a powerful positive effect on shopper experience and investor perceptions. We believe there is significant scope for such improvements on Bradshawgate, King Street, Railway Road and Leigh Road.

Improve Linkages to Surrounding Quarters

There are clear improvements that could be made in linking the town centre to other strategic growth areas, particularly from Railway Road to Parsonage, and across the canal to the Bridgewater Urban Village site.

Leigh Life Centre. Artist impression.

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AMBITIONS

Enhancing Our Urban Environment

Enhancing our urban environment will strengthen existing businesses and improve the offer of Leigh Town Centre by making the town centre more fun, interesting and functional.

Parklets provide an effective and eye-catching public seating arrangement which can be installed on most streets. They support local businesses by increasing dwell time; they’re a place to eat lunch, meet friends or rest tired legs. They’re for public use, but can be particularly useful when located close to smaller food outlets, which may not have their own seating.

Micropark design by ©WMB Studio.©Walthamstow Council. Artist impression.

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03:02 BRIDGEWATER URBAN VILLAGE

THE AREA

Bridgewater Urban Village is presently an underutilised site, but one with huge potential. Whilst a few business units remain, this is the only major site available in central Leigh.

OUR OBJECTIVES

Create a Contemporary New Urban Village

We believe that a comprehensive residential-led re-development could provide more suitable uses. This high profile location warrants design excellence, and we believe that there is also room for some complementary commercial uses here too.

Animate the Central Waterfront

A new, architecturally impressive footbridge spanning the canal will connect this site with the adjacent town centre, but will also provide the opportunity to create a new central gateway to the waterfront. A new centrepiece public space will open up the waterfront and allow animated uses, such as outdoor dining, either side of the canal.

AMBITIONS

High-Quality Residential Design

We want ‘Bridgewater Urban Village’ to be synonymous with distinct, contemporary design. We will also encourage developers to incorporate sustainable features such as rainwater harvesting and solar panels. It is also important that we encourage mixed tenure developments, allowing a wide spectrum of society to make up this new community.

Making the Most of Our Natural Assets

The existing restaurants at The Loom clearly already recognise the value that waterfronts can add with the canal front dining terrace, but we think this is just the beginning of opening up this space. By allowing such uses on both sides of the canal we can establish this area as a new gem of the town centre.

We want ‘Bridgewater Urban Village’ to be synonymous with distinct, contemporary design.

Marthashof, Berlin ©baunetzwissen

Regents Canal, London.

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03:03 LEIGH MARINA

THE AREA

Leigh Marina, which encompasses Pennington Wharf, is an impressive new waterfront housing location.

The Marina itself was cut from reclaimed land adjacent to the canal, allowing a substantial new mooring facility to be formed. This unique area is the leading purpose built marina in Greater Manchester, and clearly has huge potential as a ‘place to visit’. There is significant potential for high-quality new homes here too.

OUR OBJECTIVES

Provide High Quality Homes

The driver of development in this area is high quality residential, with a clear focus upon placemaking. This area will have a buoyant mixed tenure, providing homes particularly suited to families and young people alike.

Create a ‘Western Gateway’ to Pennington Flash

Leigh Marina is already a popular destination for young families, walkers and cyclists to visit. We believe that with new development comes the opportunity for Leigh Marina to function as ‘the Gateway to Pennington Flash’ – providing new opportunities for ancillary retail, such as smaller food and drink outlets.

AMBITIONS

A Destination in its Own Right

We want to create a space that not only adds value to surrounding development, but also produces a new destination for the rest of Leigh (and further afield) to enjoy. Destinations such as this naturally lend themselves to smaller food and drink offers, such as waterfront cafés.

Cafe, Munich,

Waterfront Cafe, Italy ©Digital Journal ©Taylor Wimpey

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03:04 WESTLEIGH WATERFRONT

THE AREA

Much like the adjacent Leigh Marina, Westleigh Waterfront is an area with significant potential to deliver new homes in a sustainable, high-value location. Wigan Council has improved the surrounding infrastructure here, showing our willingness to work with the market to help unlock development sites.

OUR OBJECTIVES

A First-Class Place for Families

We see quality placemaking and providing a wide range of housing types as paramount here. We want to create a pedestrian and cycle friendly environment, together with landscaped green space and new play facilities – making this one of the best places for a family to locate in Leigh.

Create a Canalside Linear Park

This side of the canal has long been an underused asset. The indicative masterplan of the site provides a well needed upgrade of the route along the northern edge of the canal, providing a quality new asset for all to use. We also want to strengthen links to Pennington Flash with a new pedestrian and equestrian bridge across the canal.

AMBITIONS

A New Waterfront Community

This area provides a unique opportunity to create a new neighbourhood with a wide variety of housing types and ample green space, whilst simultaneously delivering a new stretch of canalside park for everyone to enjoy.

Fountainbridge ©7N-Architects

©Boxed Red Marketing Ltd

©PlanitIE

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03:05 PARSONAGE

THE AREA

Parsonage is a very popular mixed-use area, led by a comprehensive variety of ‘big box’ retailers. The area has a broad offer including food retailers, clothing, technology, discount and food and drink outlets. A new major expansion opened in 2016; featuring a new Sainsbury’s, M&S Foodhall, TK Maxx and Aldi. Over 1,000 free parking spaces are provided for shoppers.

OUR OBJECTIVES

Develop and Strengthen the Offer of Parsonage

We see Parsonage as an area that continues to offer the space to grow, and continues to attract the volume of shoppers to do so. The offer should complement the town centre, and continue to evolve in-line with market trends; keeping Parsonage competitive with similar offers in other areas.

Improve Connections to the Surrounding Urban Area

Whilst highway connections are strong, we want to do more to facilitate access for those on foot or bicycle. Simultaneously, enhanced direct links provide the opportunity to better strengthen.

AMBITIONS

Complementary New Uses & Improving the Existing

Parsonage should continue to evolve in line with changing consumer needs and provide a high-quality retail environment. Simultaneously, we would support new complementary uses for the identified opportunity areas, which could include housing.

High Quality Links for Non-Car Modes

We want to improve the quality of links that serve Parsonage, better connecting to surrounding neighbourhoods, opportunity areas and the town centre.

Parsonage Retail Park, Leigh.

Oxford Road, Bristol. Cycle lane.

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03:06 LEIGH SPORTS VILLAGE

THE AREA

Leigh Sports Village (LSV) is already an asset to be proud of. Most widely known as the home of Leigh Centurions RLFC, Manchester United u23s and Leigh Harriers Athletics Club. LSV is also home to a wide range of public sports facilities, education, hotel, retail and residential.

OUR OBJECTIVES

Building on Our Nationally Recognisable Brand

LSV is already a real asset, not just to Leigh, but for the sub-region. We want to take this even further and help LSV become a brand of national significance. Given the proximity of LSV to Pennington Flash, we think the recreational nature of this area shouldn’t be overlooked too, and complements the offer of LSV as a whole.

Expand the Offer of Leigh Sports Village

We want to continue to build on these excellent foundations with complementary new uses, potentially including new sports facilities and sports-related businesses.

AMBITIONS

Constantly Evolving

LSV should continue to build upon its foundations as a sporting hub, adding new facilities to its wide roster of provision and keeping momentum behind the cluster of sports-led development in this area. We believe there is real opportunity to intensify uses of sites here, both around the stadium and at Pennington Flash.

Not Just a Sports Hub

We want to create something truly special at LSV, by building the area’s reputation as a national brand for sporting excellence – but we’re clearly already much more than just sports, and we want to continue to diversify the offer of LSV.

Pennington Flash, Leigh.

Leigh Sports Village.

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03:07 BRIDGEWATER CANAL CONSERVATION AREA

THE AREA

The Bridgewater Canal Conservation Area is clearly defined by its heritage as a late 19th century industrial centre. The area contains a large concentration of historic buildings located next to the canal – which are predominantly large mills related to Leigh’s silk and cotton textile industries. Refurbishment work is on-going at Mather Lane Mill and there are a number of other exciting opportunities to be realised.

OUR OBJECTIVES

Provide Living Space to be Proud Of

Former mill buildings make excellent living space – providing a mix of heritage and character that simply cannot be recreated in modern developments. We will encourage and support the conversion of mills for residential use. There are opportunities of varying scales available, from major mill conversions to smaller complementary opportunities.

Encourage New and Interesting Uses

We also want to encourage alternative uses of mill space, particularly on spacious ground floors. There are a number of opportunities for mixed-use development, including commercial, creative or start-up shared spaces.

AMBITIONS

Modern Development, Heritage Character

Clearly re-use of existing structures is paramount here, mixing heritage sensitive redevelopment with high-quality architecture. Whilst we expect development to be residential-led, there’s also room for other innovative uses.

Malt District ©Fender Katsalidis Architects and Oculus.

Wapping Wharf, Bristol. Artist impression. ©MuseDevelopments

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03:08 LEIGH COMMERCE PARK

THE AREA

‘Leigh Commerce Park’ is presently made up of several manufacturers, logistics warehouses, office buildings and trade outlets. There is an eclectic mix of national, international and start-up business space. There are a number of sites available and the area benefits from close proximity to the East Lancs Road, providing excellent highway access across the North West.

OUR OBJECTIVES

Modernise and Intensify Use

There are a number of opportunity areas that present a significant prospect to intensify the level of development in this area. We will also support a modernisation programme and help unlock sites where required.

Improve Branding and Marketing

Presently, this area does not have a collective name and is not marketed as a single distinct district. We will support businesses and agents to brand and market as a collective, in order to enhance the visibility of the area as a place to locate businesses.

AMBITIONS

A Clear Identity

The area would clearly benefit from a single homogenous identity for use on hoardings, signage and marketing collateral, including a website – all of which would help promote further investment in the area.

Attracting Higher Value Industries

This location boasts excellent highway connectivity via the East Lancs Road, with our strategic position between Liverpool and Manchester also strengthened by being a short drive from Wigan rail hub, where HS2 will also call from 2027. We believe this area could genuinely provide a strong alternative offer for those looking to locate higher value industries, particularly as city centres become increasingly congested and more expensive to locate. It is also strategically located, being mid-distance between Manchester, Liverpool and Liverpool2 super container port.

GRENFOLD WAY

Quroum Business Park, Newcastle.

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03:09 NORTH LEIGH PARK

THE AREA

North Leigh Park presents a major strategic opportunity to provide much needed quality homes and will act as a catalyst to further economic growth to the Wigan Borough. The land is presently brownfield, and approved proposals include space for 1,800 homes, 51,000 square metres of new employment space, approximately 19 acres of improved green infrastructure and a local centre for community use.

OUR OBJECTIVES

Unlock the Development Site

Wigan Council are working to accelerate delivery of the site, and will invest £10m for a link road joining the A578 Leigh Road with A579 Atherleigh Way. This fantastic example of public-private partnership demonstrates the Borough’s commitment to helping deliver new homes.

Provide High Quality Homes

Strong placemaking and high quality residential will be the core drivers of development here. This new neighbourhood will have a buoyant mixed tenure, providing homes for all.

AMBITIONS

Remediated, Regenerated & Reconnected

We are clear that approved proposals will provide not only the single biggest source of new homes in the borough, but also a significant amount of new green space (47 acres). This is a clear departure from the current state of the site.

The site will also allow new transport infrastructure to connect up areas previously under-served, and release capacity on existing routes.

North Leigh Park. Artist impression.

©Anwyl Homes

ATHERTON ROAD

WESTLEIGH LANE

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We’ve identified three key mechanisms that will help us deliver our ambitious vision for Leigh;

PARTNERSHIPS

Working Together

The wide and varied nature of the opportunities identified in this Investment Framework will require strong liaison with a number of external organisations. We will continue to work in close communication with partner bodies including GM Combined Authority, Transport for Greater Manchester, GM Local Enterprise Partnership, GM Police, Network Rail, Merseytravel, Canal & River Trust, Homes & Communities Agency and Central Government Bodies.

Creating the right conditions to encourage enterprise across all of the Character Areas will also require us to work proactively with existing businesses, prospective businesses,

government to a particular region. Decisions made locally can better meet the needs and aspirations of the people who live and work in the area.

Wigan Council is a key player in Greater Manchester devolution. Wigan Council will receive significant new powers over its economic development and control over billions of pounds of public funding with the pioneering Greater Manchester devolution deal.

We want to put people at the centre of devolution. Allowing us more control over how we govern and spend locally will allow us to take great strides in developing our people and the place they live.

The Deal In Action Leigh

With ambitions for new development and regeneration, we are looking for support from the private sector to help accelerate transformational change in the town centre.

The public sector has invested heavily in Leigh Town Centre, however we are keen to work in partnership to support the various opportunities outlined in this Investment Framework.

We can boost our impact by working in partnership; recognising that both public and private funding can only go so far on their own.

If we want to deliver the aspirations set out in this document and we want to invest in local facilities and spaces that communities deserve, we need to work together to make it happen.

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land owners and developers. We want to help foster new ideas, support business planning and help identify funding streams.

Policy Frameworks

Both the Local Plan and Draft Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) identify Leigh as a major contributor to the future growth of Greater Manchester. The GMSF is a joint plan to manage the supply of land for jobs and new homes across Greater Manchester - ensuring that we have the right land in the right places to deliver the homes and jobs we need up to 2035.

Alongside this, the TfGM 2040 Transport Strategy identifies the new infrastructure (such as roads, rail and Metrolink networks) required going forwards. As such, consideration of overarching policy frameworks will provide the wider picture for how Leigh fits into a fast-growing Manchester City Region.

FUNDING

The funding landscape is continuously changing and our Business Investment Team are well briefed on new and emerging opportunities. Collaborating with a number of independent organisations we aim to boost Leigh’s economy through business support.

Businesses of all sizes have benefited from our guidance, from sole traders to national companies with 1,000+ employees. Whatever your interest, whatever your size and whatever your opportunity, contact us so we can work with you to help unlock access to funding.

We’ve also committed £5 million from the 2017/18 budget towards regeneration projects in Leigh.

Devolution

Devolution is the transfer of certain powers and responsibilities from national

OUR TOWN CENTRE PROGRAMME

We already have a strong portfolio of town centre activities and events that support the economy, foster local pride and strengthen the positive image of the town. Highly successful events such as Armed Forces Day, Street Velodrome, Leigh 10k and Leigh Carnival promote distinctiveness and create a bustling urban vibrancy.

We will encourage an enhanced programme of popular and innovative events in the town centre, to build on the successes we’re currently delivering.

Crowd Funding

Crowdfunding is a way of raising finance by asking a large number of people each for a small amount of money.

Until recently, financing a business, project or venture involved asking a few people for large sums of money.

Crowdfunding switches this idea around, using the internet to talk to thousands – if not millions – of potential funders. Sites such as Spacehive allow a wide variety of civic projects to be funded in this way; events, playgrounds, urban parks and even new public realm schemes.

We want to work with communities to come up with fresh ideas, and create and improve spaces for everyone to enjoy.

www.wiganworks.combusiness@wigan.gov.uk

01942 489190

[The People] Where is the plan?

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42Albion Street, Leigh. Artist’s impression.