£60 million of renovations have been announced for Wigan town centre, set to be called “The Makinson Quarter”.

The proposal includes redevelopment of the Galleries shopping centre and a return to Wigan’s former street layout. A new supermarket also form part of the proposal, with the return of markets to their original location as well as a leisure hub centred around the new square.

It is thought that the redevelopment will create around 400 jobs.

Adrian Oliver of Vale Retail, which represents the Galleries, said:

“This development will make Wigan a great place to shop, keeping shoppers shopping here rather than migrating to out of town retail parks and the internet.

“The leisure hub incorporating a multi-screen cinema, gym, restaurants, bars and cafes will attract more people into the town centre and help build a night time economy.”

Local community members can see the plans and give feedback at Ashton Gallery, as well as sharing their thoughts at a dedicated website: www.gallerieswigan.co.uk

Planning application is anticipated to be submitted by December 2014.

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Words: Peter Cribley