Our proposals will transform the Galleries Shopping Centre site in Wigan town centre. Our plans will deliver:

• An exciting multimedia centre, home to a multi-screen cinema, a ten-lane bowling alley, new food and drink outlets, multi-use venue and indoor mini golf.
• A pavilion off Market Street which will host new food and drink establishments and evening entertainment.
• A new Market Hall including traditional market stalls but also new retail units, co-working spaces, small offices and a contemporary food hall.
• A new hotel comprising of circa 150 guestrooms.
• 464 new homes, ranging from one-bedroom apartments, to three-bedroom town houses, providing the opportunity for more people to live and work in Wigan town centre.
• 240 car parking spaces for residents and 220 spaces for those using the retail and leisure facilities.
• 90 new cycle parking spaces for those using the leisure facilities. 464 cycle parking spaces for residents.
• The creation of over 600  full time equivalent jobs once the site is operational, and further jobs and apprenticeships at the construction stage.

The Galleries Shopping Centre is located in the north of Wigan town centre, between Market Street and Mesnes Street.

The new market will be based in Marketgate – a location that local market traders identified as a suitable option. Our plans will deliver an updated market hall which will re-open the currently closed off Market Gate Shopping Centre entrance just off Standishgate. Once the existing building structures have been redeveloped this will allow for the current market traders to move in. The Market is recognised as one of the most important elements that will ensure the future success of this new scheme, which is why we are prioritising its construction and it would be one of the first projects to commence and be completed, should the application be approved. The new market hall will be officially open for occupation in Quarter One of 2024.The exact number of stalls is still to be confirmed but we will keep the public updated throughout the development.

Makinson Arcade would remain operational throughout the development process. We will aim to ensure a continued use of Woodcock Square and uninterrupted footfall from the bus station to Standish Gate will be maintained. Attractive hoardings providing guided access to Makinson Arcade whist protecting the public from construction activities. Throughout the construction period, we would also introduce an exciting programme of activities at Woodcock Square. Through our Support Local campaign we will promote and publicise businesses to ensure customers continue to visit.

A number of surveys have previously taken place, which have asked local people their views on the town centre more widely and also what they would like to see happen to the Galleries site. This public consultation is asking for your views on our proposals to redevelop the Galleries.

A hybrid planning application comprises of two parts:  a ‘detailed’ element and an ‘outline’ element. The outline plans contain less detail and are subject to a further ‘reserved matters’ planning application before they can be built.

All aspects of the development, with the exception of the multimedia centre, three residential blocks (blocks A, B &C), eight town houses (block E) and the retirement living unit (block D), will be included in the detailed element of the planning application. The multimedia centre, retirement living unit, three residential blocks and eight town houses will be included in the outline planning element. These outline plans contain less detail and are subject to a further ‘reserved matters’ planning application before they can be built.

We are committed to engaging with local residents and stakeholders about our plans to redevelop the Galleries site. We want to deliver a high-quality, mixed-use scheme that the local community can be proud of.

There are a number of ways you can have your say on our proposals, such as by calling the community information line on 0333 358 0502 (Monday to Friday – 9:00am to 5:30pm) or completing a feedback form online. You can also email us at galleries25@havingyoursay.co.uk.

Galleries 25 is a joint venture partnership between public sector regeneration specialists Cityheart and leading construction company Beijing Construction Engineering Group International (BCEGI). The partnership was appointed by Wigan Council in 2020 following an extensive 12 month EU compliant public procurement exercise to deliver the redevelopment of the Galleries Shopping Centre site. Wigan Council, as landowner, is supporting the development.