Chinese Government-backed firm ends its work on Wigan's Galleries rebirth project

BCEGI, working with specialist demolition contractor Rhodar Industrial Services Limited, were appointed to undertake the first stage of the works and an 18-month phased programme of demolition across the 41,000m sq site began in July 2022 and successfully completed this week.

And with that BCEGI’s association with the project ends.

The work has concluded on schedule and specialist groundwork contractor PP O’Connor has now been appointed to undertake the next phase of ground enabling works, ahead of a main contractor for the development of phase one being appointed in the coming weeks.

PP O’Connor has made an immediate start on site and will be undertaking archaeology and site investigation works.

On the landmark milestone for the development Chief Operating Officer of Cityheart Warren Taylor said: “BCEGI has undertaken an extensive programme of very complex and carefully sequenced site remediation and demolition works which has progressed at pace over the last year and a half.

"Managing and maintaining the programme over such a complex space is testament to the fantastic work BCEGI and Rhodar have delivered in clearing and levelling this complex site, paving the way for the first phase of construction work which will commence in the coming months.

“The delivery of the Galleries is a long term, multi-phased programme and each phase will be contracted individually to achieve best value in line with current market conditions.

"BCEGI were appointed on the initial 18-month demolition phase which has now concluded.

"The next step is the imminent appointment of the main contractor for the delivery of the first phase of build and future phases of demolition will be contracted individually.”

On their involvement with the next stage of the Galleries development, Charmaine O’Connor, CEO at PP O’Connor said: “We are pleased to support our long-standing client Cityheart with this major redevelopment project and look forward to helping to deliver the next phase of works.”

Leader of Wigan Council, Coun David Molyneux said: “We’re really pleased with the progress of the former Galleries scheme so far and look forward to working with P.P. O’Connor on this important next phase.

“A key priority for us on this project is to ensure maximum return on our investment by securing opportunities for local skills and employment and I’m pleased local residents are already reaping those benefits.”

During the demolition phase Rhodar employed a variety of techniques including large scale mechanical machinery and hand demolition to protect the adjacent Grade II listed structures.

Up to 50 operatives have been working on the demolition phase including two of Rhodar’s youngest employees as part of their apprenticeships.

Rhodar has also been working with local church groups, charities and youth organisations as well as offering local employment opportunities for site and office staff.

With a focus on the highest levels of sustainability, materials have been reused to create development platforms for the new buildings and over 10,000 roof slates have been reclaimed for re-use, together with 1,000 tonnes of mixed metals, 60,000 tonnes of bricks and concreate hard core for re-use.

Cityheart were appointed by Wigan Council as its strategic development partner for the £135m redevelopment of The Galleries shopping centre in June 2021.

Since the Development Agreement was signed a hybrid planning consent for the full site has been secured.

The first phase of the development is set to start this year and will deliver a new market hall and food court, a new 144-bedroom hotel and the basement and associated infrastructure.

This initial phase will be closely followed with the commencement of construction for the Pavilion building and the Cinema and Leisure space.