Wigan Civic named on shortlist for Greater Manchester building of the year

The aim of the award is to recognise a building’s contribution to the city-region in terms of construction and development.

This could include the building’s significance to Greater Manchester its impact on the local economy, its effect on the local community, its importance in terms of urban regeneration and environmental enhancement, its design excellence, or its contribution to urban design and townscape.

The winner of the 2024 award was Co-op Live.

Diane Elebert-Morgan, Property and Construction Group Manager at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “The impressive list of shortlisted buildings showcases the best that Greater Manchester has to offer.

“The list shows that great projects aren’t just limited to the city centre, as we have examples of fantastic buildings in locations ranging from Stockport in the South to Oldham in the North.

"I don’t think anywhere in the country outside of London could boast the same range and quality of new buildings as we have here.

"Just making the shortlist is a huge accolade and I can’t wait to see which one will be crowned Building of the Year.”

The winner of the Building of the Year Award 2025 will be announced at the Property and Construction Annual Dinner, which will be held at Manchester Hall on March 5.

Social mission developer Capital&Centric, restored the former Civic Centre into a creative workspace.

It used to accommodate council offices, but since the rejuvenation of Wigan Town Hall and the creation of the Life Centre, there had no longer been a municipal need for the place.

It was left empty for several years with its only use being for location shooting of the Morecambe-based crime drama The Bay where its facade was dressed up as a police station.

The building is now home to a mix of co-working, studios and private offices.

Alongside the high-spec workspaces, Civic is packed with communal facilities from a gym and mini-cinema, to chill-out lounges and a relaxing roof terrace for tenants.

And at the heart of Civic is Cotton, a new café-bar for the building and the wider community complete with a spill-out terrace, as well as outdoor seating spots along Millgate.