Detailed plans for Wigan Galleries multi-media centre get the green light

A Reserved Matters application for the 84,000ft sq Multi Media Centre (MMC) was submitted in March 2023 by developer Cityheart and the local authority.

The multi-faceted cinema and leisure facility is a key component of the Galleries re-development project and one of the anchors which will be instrumental in transforming Wigan’s town centre.

The application brings forward the design detail for the MMC which will comprise a six-screen, 700-seat cinema, multi-lane bowling alley, indoor mini-golf, a climbing wall and wide range of other indoor leisure activities.

The MMC will also include public events space and a games arcade along with bar and restaurant establishments.

The approval of the new cinema comes just days after struggling picture house chain Empire went into administration with the immediate closure of its Robin Park multiplex.

Approval of the reserved matters plans follows the hybrid planning application for the redevelopment of the entire site, which was approved in November 2021, soon after which an 18-month phased programme of demolition began across the site, which is now over halfway completed.

The delivery of the MMC is part of the long-term, multi-phase investment and development programme of the wider Galleries site.

Backers say the project will deliver “one of the UK’s most innovative low carbon regeneration projects, transforming Wigan town centre.”

The development will also comprise 483 mixed tenure homes across seven new residential buildings; a 144-bedroom hotel; a new market hall and food court plus landscaped areas including a square for events and performances.

Coun Laura Flynn said she hoped it meant Wiganers will not have to venture to Manchester or Liverpool for a fun night out.

“The level of detail shows the exciting prospect of what we can have in Wigan town centre,” she said. “I am personally excited about the karaoke room and zipwire.

“This is going to achieve the ambition of making Wigan a night out destination.”

Warren Taylor, development director at Cityheart said: “The MMC is a key element of the wider Galleries redevelopment scheme and is central to the realisation of our vision to create a thriving mixed-use, town centre neighbourhood where people can spend time relaxing with family and friends.

“The MMC will help boost the local economy by drawing people into the town centre from across the region and will attract people of all ages who want to live in the town centre. Providing great leisure facilities will in turn help us secure the best operators and food and drink brands and we look forward to starting to announce some of those additional tenants later this year.”

He added: “Alongside the new market hall and food courts people will be able to spend their leisure time at the MMC watching the latest films and enjoying bowling, climbing, gaming and eating and drinking in a range of new bars and restaurants and we’re excited to achieve the next stage of delivering this transformational scheme for Wigan.”

Since signing the Development Agreement in June 2021, the partnership between Wigan Council and Cityheart has made rapid progress and the phased programme of demolition, which is being undertaken by Principal Contractor BECGI Construction (UK) Ltd, is on track to conclude before the end of the year.

The new market hall is targeted for the first new building to be completed, in late 2024, with the MMC targeted to start on site in 2024 set for completion the following year.

Wigan Council leader David Molyneux said “This is another really exciting milestone in the redevelopment of the Galleries. The demolition works are well under way, and this planning permission sets out what we are planning to build, delivering an exciting and vibrant redevelopment in the heart of our town centre.

“This approval today sets out how this redevelopment will look and feel, bringing this inspiring future for our town centre to life. With plans for a cinema, bowling alley, mini golf, climbing wall and lots more, we are taking proactive steps to bring new life and opportunities to our town, attracting investment, and ensuring it is a thriving and vibrant place for people to choose to live, work, study and visit.”

The completed scheme is set to create circa 660 full time jobs and have a Gross Value Add (GVA) impact or £26.5m per year.

As an indirect result 40 full time jobs will be supported adding a further £2.5m GVA per year.

Demoltion work at the Galleries is scheduled to continue for much of the rest of this year.

Opinion has been divided over the necessity for a new complex, despite much of the old shopping centre standing empty for years, especially after the 2008 recession and worse still in the wake of Covid.

There has also be criticism that the design of the new premises will not blend in with the red brick and mock Tudor surroundings of the rest of the town centre – something which the old Galleries was praised for.

But with high street retail continuing to decline while there is a major shortage of affordable housing in the borough, there are also many who recognise that something has to change.

And backers point to this being part of a bigger regeneration of Wigan town centre which also features the bringing back into use of the former Pier tourist attraction buildings and the multi-million-pound redevelopment of Eckersley Mills.