Wigan's Fettlers development is left without a hospitality operator for its new market
The first phase of Wigan’s flagship Fettlers development hangs in the balance as there is no longer a hospitality operator for the market.
Northern Lights Group (NLG) was appointed in May and its managing director said it would be “one of the North’s best, and most creative, markets and food halls”.
But both Wigan Council and NLG have now confirmed that it will no longer operate at Fettlers, just months before the market was due to open.
Aidan Thatcher, the council’s director of place, said: "Wigan Council, Cityheart and Northern Lights Group have been working in partnership to bring the future market hall at Fettlers to life.
“This has been a productive partnership over the last few years, ensuring that this flagship element of the Fettlers development will deliver an exciting, vibrant venue for our town centre.
“Wigan has been a proud market town for centuries and with the impressive facade of the new entrance now in place and construction work continuing, visitors and residents can see the latest iteration of our market becoming a reality.
"NLG and the council have mutually agreed that NLG will no longer be the operator for the site. The council remains committed to delivering a first-class market, acting as a place for people to meet, eat, greet and trade.
"Most importantly, we will be speaking with traders and key stakeholders in the coming weeks about the next steps and remain extremely excited with the opportunities that the new market will bring."
Steve Pilling, from Northern Lights Group, said: “It has been a privilege to work alongside Wigan Council on the development of Wigan’s fantastic new market hall.
“As we now move onto our next chapter, we do so with great pride in what has been achieved. This is set to be a best-in-class destination and we look forward to returning in the future to see it thriving.”
Once complete, Fettlers – a large-scale redevelopment of the former Galleries shopping complex – will have more than 400 homes, a leisure building, bars and restaurants, a market hall and food court, and the 144-guest room Hampton by Hilton hotel, with the aim of creating a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood.
The market hall is scheduled to open by Christmas, with the hotel and phase one basement to follow in winter 2027.