Here we look back on some of the brighter news in the borough starting in January through to December.
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9. SEPTEMBER - Underground bunker cinema to feature in multi-million pound Haigh Hall development
An underground bunker cinema, world-class dining experience, astronomy displays and the transformation of a derelict zoo are all planned in a huge overhaul of Wigan’s historic Haigh Woodland Park. The £37.5m project is set to restore and expand the historic site “to its former glory”. Photo: George Lythgoe
10. OCTOBER - Wigan woman hailed 'worthy winner' of competition after transforming her garden
A Wigan woman has won a national competition after showing the transformation of her garden from a tired yard to a colourful sanctuary. Pixie Lavin, a 40-year-old home interiors influencer, took first place in a contest to find the best garden glow-up of 2022 after a nationwide search by shed manufacturer and retailer Power Sheds. People across the UK shared pictures of their garden transformations, with images showing Moroccan retreats, tropical escapes and deluxe decking. Photo: Holly Pritchard
11. NOVEMBER - Pub once branded the "worst in Wigan" now stars in a new book profiling the best in England
A famous Wigan watering hole features in a new book spotlighting some of the best pubs that England has to offer. The Swan and Railway on Wallgate features in the Great pubs of England compiled by the photographer Horst A Friedrichs. From cover to cover England’s pub culture is celebrated with photography accompanied by words of one of the country's pre-eminent travel writers, Stuart Husband. Photo: Matt Pennington
12. DECEMBER - Lucky Wigan grandad wins £2m holiday villa in Marbella plus £250k in cash
A lucky grandfather has won the keys to a multi-million-pound dream villa in Spain – for just £25 - as part of a charity prize draw. Mark won the first ever Omaze Million Pound House “Superdraw” - a stunning three-storey, four-bedroom luxury villa in the holiday hotspot of Marbella – Omaze’s first house draw outside the UK. Photo: Charles Graham