Wigan Council’s economic regeneration office has appointed DTZ, EDAW and Faber Maunsell to prepare a feasibility study and masterplan for Leigh town centre.
DTZ will head the team that will be tasked with future development and regeneration of Leigh Town Centre and devising ways to attract private sector investment.
Caroline Baker, DTZ director, said; ‘Although Leigh is the main shopping and employment location in the east of the borough there is significant concern that it is suffering from major leakage to neighbouring centres such as Bolton, Manchester and the Trafford Centre.
'Through this commission we will seek to build upon the town’s assets, including its heritage, waterways and loyal local customers to create a more viable future for the town.
‘The masterplan will provide a visionary but deliverable framework for Leigh town centre. It will act as a platform for future private sector investment, a lobbying tool to galvanise public sector investment and a framework for public-private partnership.’
Over the last few years, Wigan Council has been involved in many projects to redevelop the Leigh area, including Leigh Sports Village; the development of the former Bickershaw Colliery; and the extension of the Parsonage Retail area and Leigh East Hilton Park. The regeneration of Leigh Town Centre will be the next phase.
