Planning permission has been granted for Cityheart’s £135m redevelopment of the Galleries Shopping Centre in Wigan town centre, following the joint submission of a hybrid planning application from Cityheart and Wigan Council, according to a report from The Business Desk.
The plans include detailed proposals covering an array of leisure facilities such as a multimedia centre housing to a multi-screen cinema, a 10-lane bowling alley, new food and drink outlets, and multi-purpose venue and indoor mini golf.
There are also plans for a purpose-built pavilion off Market Street which will provide new food and drink establishments and evening entertainment, plus a more centrally located market hall including traditional market stalls, new retail units, co-working spaces, small offices and a contemporary food hall.
The proposals also include a new hotel and 464 new high quality homes ranging from one-bedroom apartments to three-bedroom town houses and retirement living.
Warren Taylor, director of Cityheart, said: “We are delighted to have secured planning permission for this important scheme which will help to significantly rejuvenate the heart of Wigan town centre.
“By working with our appointed contractor, BCEGi, Wigan Council and the local community, we look forward to realising our vision and delivering a vibrant new destination for the town centre with green outdoor spaces and stunning buildings.”
The leader of Wigan Council, Cllr David Molyneux, welcomed the decision: “The plan for the Galleries very much reflects the feedback we got from residents about the importance of vibrant town centres during the Big Listening Project in 2018 and more recent consultations.
“We will continue to work with existing businesses in the town centre to manage any disruption during the construction and will continue to work together to ensure their views are heard and taken on board.
“Now, more than ever, it’s vital we do everything we can to create exciting and welcoming town centres to help support our local businesses and jobs. These plans do just that and I certainly can’t wait to see them materialise.”
Work is due to start on site in January next year.
