Admittedly the year just gone has been a frustrating and in some ways disappointing one with some big projects stalling and another being all about demolition and not about building. But there is confidence that the next 12 months will be much more positive and exciting. Here are some of the biggest ones that could begin or even finish in the year ahead.
5. Worsley Mesnes homes
Away from Wigan town centre local housing provider Jigsaw Homes Group is working in partnership with Wigan Council to deliver 42 homes in Worsley Mesnes for affordable rent, rent to buy and shared ownership, with a further 127 for sale through national homebuilder Keepmoat. The first six occupants moved into affordable accommodation before Christmas. New shops have opened in the area which also means that the old parade of shops (pictured) can be demolished, possibly before January is out. Photo: MA
6. New homes for the area south of Leigh town centre
The number of new affordable waterside homes in Leigh will hit almost 240 after the latest housing development was approved. The site of the former Flex Fitness gym, on West Bridgewater Street, Leigh, will be transformed into six homes and four apartments. MCI Developments Ltd will demolish the old Bridgewater Gym and replace it by erecting five two-bedroom houses, one three-bedroom house and a building containing four flats. This new development will be added to the Waterside Point development of 226 homes, which is currently under construction just south of Leigh town centre. Photo: UGC
7. The M58 link road
In the autumn diggers were spotted at work on land where the next phase of Wigan’s massive link road will take shape. But it did not mean that the building project – which would create a route between the interchange and Billinge Road in Pemberton – was starting then. The council said it was carrying out some investigative works as part of the design process for the M58 link road. A spokesperson said: "The start-on-site date for this project will only be programmed once all the design and development work is completed.” Whether that is going to be 2024 remains to be seen. The route, whose main aim is to alleviate traffic on the congested Ormskirk Road, has been approved and is in part an extension of the existing Leopold Street. Photo: Brian King
8. Haigh Hall
Buried under scaffolding, Wigan's jewel in the crown Haigh Hall is currently unrecognisable as it undergoes its biggest facelift in generations. The five-floor building will boast a wealth of culture, arts, education and leisure facilities once work is complete – in around two years’ time so folk will have to be patient for now. However plans were recently announced for a landscaped garden inspired by Wigan’s history and the climate emergency at Haigh's woodland park. Called Amphitheatre for a Tree, it is rooted in symbolism, nature and community and will feature layered seating that surrounds a rowan tree which will amplify breathtaking views across the town. There's a better chance of that emerging in the coming 12 months. Photo: Brian King