The scheme will transform the land around the Leeds & Liverpool Canal basin, close to Wigan town centre. It includes construction of a major performance venue, new canal moorings, new homes and shops.
It will be overseen by H20 Urban, who specialise in regenerating canal side locations. They've previously worked on successful schemes across the UK including in Northwich, Lancaster and London.
Councillor David Molyneux, deputy leader of Wigan Council, said: “There's been a lot of talk in Westminster political circles about Wigan Pier and the country going back to the 1930s. Well the reality here in Wigan is we're looking to the future not the past.
“We've come up with an exciting new vision for a Wigan Pier Quarter and signed a deal with a proven developer to deliver this. It will bring prosperity and opportunity to the whole town.”
The new Wigan Pier Quarter will include:
- A 1,200 seat performance venue at the Today's Community Church
- Creation of new moorings in the canal basin offering new water user facilities
- New commercial development off Pottery Road.
- Commercial development on the former bus depot site at Southgate.
- Improvements to the canal towpath throughout the area.
- Improved loading and access facilities for leisure boat operators.
- The demolition of the former Wigan Pier nightclub building to be replaced with a new community garden.
- A new public car park to be built on waste land in front of Trencherfield Mill providing 70 parking spaces for local businesses, residents and visitors.
There are also plans to bring the building that formerly housed the tourist attraction 'The Way We Were' back into use.
