13th March 2024
Hilton Signs Franchise Agreement for Wigan Galleries Hotel
Wigan Council, in collaboration with its development partner Cityheart, has signed a franchise agreement with Hilton for a Hampton by Hilton branded 144-bedroom, 5,800 m2 hotel, as part of the £135 million redevelopment of the former Galleries Shopping Centre.
Designed by JM Architects, the Hampton by Hilton hotel will be a six-storey building located off Market Street in Wigan’s town centre and will be managed and operated by leaf HOSPITALITY.
The hotel bedrooms will be complemented by a gym on level one overlooking the new square with the main reception area and dining space on the ground floor. Each accommodation level will also have accessible rooms and secure parking will be available for guests. Leaf Hospitality anticipates employing more than 60 staff at the new hotel, providing a range of job opportunities for local residents.
The hotel is one of the most important elements brought forward under the Galleries redevelopment masterplan, helping to create the critical evening and weekend footfall required to bring new visitors back into the heart of the town centre. The hotel will be located directly opposite the bus station entrance of New Market Street and is within 500 yards of both town centre train stations.
The announcement is the latest development for the multi-phase regeneration scheme since demolition work was concluded on time in February and main contractor Galliford Try was announced for phase one last week.
Councillor David Molyneux MBE, Leader of Wigan Council, said: “Following last week’s announcement of Galliford Try as our new development partner for the first phase of building work, it is really exciting to welcome Hilton to this multimillion pound redevelopment.
“This is a well-known and prestigious brand coming to Wigan. It demonstrates the confidence that investors, businesses and partners have with a new market hall, cinema, bowling alley, bars and restaurants, alongside the Hampton by Hilton, coming to our town centre.”
Graham Dodd, Managing Director Development, Hilton UK & Ireland, said: “Our partnership with Wigan Council marks an exciting new chapter, as part of Hilton’s growing presence in the North West. We were impressed by the Council and Cityheart’s vision to provide a thriving new retail, leisure, commercial and residential destination and are excited to be part of Wigan’s transformation. We look forward to welcoming guests to Hampton by Hilton and showcasing the town’s great potential to our global network.”
Warren Taylor, Chief Operating Officer of Cityheart commented: “The introduction of a high-quality hotel for Wigan centre is a key part of the agreed masterplan and will be critical to the rejuvenation of the town by increasing and raising the standard of accommodation available. Hilton is one of the world’s most recognised hotel brands. Within its portfolio, Hampton by Hilton is a strong and well-respected brand and we are incredibly pleased to have secured it for Wigan as we look to create a vibrant and enticing town centre offering for visitors and local people alike.”
P.P.O’Connor is currently on site, making significant progress in preparing the cleared site for delivery of phase one, which includes the Hampton by Hilton hotel, a new market hall and food court.
This initial phase will be closely followed with the construction of the Pavilion building and the MMC followed by 464 homes across seven new residential buildings and a retirement living complex.
Notes to editor
About The Galleries
Designed by JM Architects, this nationally significant development will also comprise 464 homes across seven new residential buildings; a 144-bedroom Hampton by Hilton hotel; a retirement living complex; a new market hall and food court as well as new landscaped areas of public realm including a public square for events and performances.
The redevelopment of The Galleries will deliver one of the UK’s most innovative low carbon regeneration projects, transforming the town centre with a vibrant new retail, leisure and residential offer.
It will include leisure facilities such as an exciting multimedia centre, which will be home to a multi-screen cinema, new food and drink outlets, and a wide range of indoor leisure activities.
A purpose-built pavilion off Market Street will provide new food and drink establishments and evening entertainment. A new, more centrally located market hall will be delivered, which will include traditional market stalls, retail units, co-working spaces and a contemporary vibrant food hall.
The completed scheme is set to create circa 660 full time jobs and have a Gross Value Add (GVA) impact or £26.5m per year. As an indirect result 40 full time jobs will be supported adding a further £2.5m GVA per year.
About Hampton by Hilton
As the No. 1 ranked lodging franchise for the last 15 years by Entrepreneur®, Hampton by Hilton — including Hampton Inn by Hilton and Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton — serves quality-driven and value-conscious travelers at nearly 3,000 properties in 38 countries and territories around the globe. The brand continues to lead its segment by providing guests with high quality, thoughtfully designed accommodations and amenities, such as modern and spacious rooms, complimentary Wi-Fi and free hot breakfast. Hampton by Hilton is committed to delivering an exceptionally friendly and authentic service all backed by the 100% Hampton Guarantee. Experience a positive stay at Hampton by Hilton by booking at hampton.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Hampton by Hilton at stories.hilton.com/hampton, and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About leaf HOSPITALITY:
leaf HOSPITALITY is a UK-based hotel management company established in 2007 that operates branded and independent hotels on behalf of hotel owners. leaf’s fast-growing hotel management portfolio currently includes properties across Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and Lancashire. Services cover all aspects of hotel management including asset, finance, operation and commercial. Excellence is at the heart of everything leaf HOSPITALITY does. The company supports Hospitality Rising, Meeting Needs, Trees for Cities and The Nomad Trust. www.leafhospitality.com
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