The controversial plan that could change Wigan town centre forever is to be decided next week

The former Galleries shopping centre is currently undergoing demolition and now Wigan Council’s committee has the power to approve or reject the proposal for a Multi-media Centre.

This would be the first part of the redevelopment that the local authority hopes will make the centre a more attractive and vibrant place to live, work and play.

On this site, the Multi-media Centre (MMC) would comprise a six-screen, 700-seat cinema, multi-lane bowling alley, indoor mini-golf, a climbing wall and a wide range of other indoor leisure activities, according to developers.

The MMC will also include public events space and a games arcade along with a range of bar and restaurant establishments. The plans for the town centre site have been on the table since an initial planning application was given the green light in 2021.

This £135m proposal has been subject to criticism from both councillors and residents alike, with the view that the cost is too much during a cost of living crisis which culminated in a 4.99 per cent council tax rise in Spring. Coun James Watson spoke out against the project in February when the council was discussing the budget.

The Independent Network representative for Atherton questioned the necessity of such a project during the time of financial uncertainty. He wanted to know whether the cost of £135m was fixed, as the market rates for building materials has been volatile in recent months.

In response, Paul McKevitt, director of resources and contracts and deputy chief executive, said: “Currently we have a provision for £130m and each quarter we will come back with a capital programme and we may need to revise that upwards or downwards. At the moment the demolition stage is going on and that takes about 18 months to complete.

“That is where we hope interest rates will start to fall again. We hope that by the time it comes to the building stage of the project prices may well have come down and that might bring it to within £130m.

“While we accept that there may be some risk around the cost of the Galleries, that is why we are presenting it at that level (£135m rather than £130m).”

Wigan Council has already been granted permission to demolish the old site and has outline permission for the overall scope of the project. But now they are seeking permission to start the build on what would be the first plot.

In the long-term, there are still multiple phases of the project yet to come. CityHeart, the developer working alongside the Council on this, is promising 483 homes across seven new residential buildings; a 144-bedroom hotel; a retirement living complex; a new market hall and food court as well as new landscaped areas of public realm including a public square for events and performances.

Since signing a Development Agreement in June 2021, the partnership between Wigan Council and Cityheart has made rapid progress in securing a hybrid planning application for the full site in November 2021, securing vacant possession of the site, and starting site remediation and demolition works in July last year.

The demolition works are being undertaken by Principal Contractor BCEGI Construction (UK) Ltd.

The old site is being flattened over the course of 18 months, delivering a phased programme of clearance across the site. The first phase of demolition is expected to conclude on time towards the end of this year and careful sequencing is being utilised to cause minimum disruption, Cityheart has claimed.

The new market hall will be the first building to be completed, targeted for late 2024, according to the council.

Aidan Thatcher, director, growth and economy for the council has said previously: “The MMC will provide Wigan town centre with a super leisure facility which is essential in creating a place for future generations to enjoy, a town centre neighbourhood which will be populated by more local people, increased visitors, new homes, a destination market, successful businesses and thriving retailers.”

The completed scheme is estimated to create 660 full-time jobs and have a Gross Value Add (GVA) impact of £26.5m per year. As an indirect result 40 full-time jobs will be supported adding a further £2.5m GVA per year, Cityheart have said.

On July 11, the planning committee will sit in the chamber at Wigan Town Hall to debate the application which could change the face of the town centre forever.