Galleries to partially close in response to pandemic

One of Wigan’s main shopping centres is to close partially in response to the Covid-19 outbreak.
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Only four tenants - deemed essential by the Government - will continue trading in the Galleries as large sections of it are shut off to the public.

The multi-storey car park will also be closed for the foreseeable future, bosses said today.

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Public access will be still available to those essential retailers who are currently trading within the precinct, and there will be directional signage at entrances that are not currently barred.

The Galleries in Wigan town centreThe Galleries in Wigan town centre
The Galleries in Wigan town centre

Essential shops that are continuing to trade for now comprise Poundland, Heron Foods, Home Bargains and Spectrum Community Health.

Galleries centre manager Simon Tucker said: “The health and wellbeing of customers, staff and retailers has been paramount and we have been following government advice closely.

“We have now closed all non-essential stores and for those visiting the centre for the few essential stores that remain open, we ask them to stay safe by continuing to follow the government guidelines, in the interests of both their and other people’s health and wellbeing.

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“We remain fully committed to supporting our community and will be closely monitoring the situation.

“We would encourage all our customers to follow our social channels for regular news and updates and when the time is right, details of the re-opening of the centre.”

The majority shops in Wigan town centre have now been shut for a week.

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