BoyleSports reveals plan to open bookies in Wigan town centre

The independent bookmaker, based in Ireland, said the proposed bookies in Wallgate would provide a “timely boost” to the town.

It would be based at the longstanding former bistro bar and coffee shop Coffee Bank which closed in June 2018. The site also operated as a bank for decades.

Boyle said the business would represent a new occupier of the town cenre at a time when betting shops face an uncertain future.

A number of household names have announced job cuts and store closures amid the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The firm has lodged a planning application with Wigan Council seeking permission for the change of use of the ground floor of the premises into a betting shop.

Opening times for the proposed betting shop are intended to be from 8am to 10pm every day.

Planning documents submitted as part of the bid said the scheme would boost the area which has a number of vacant units.

Paperwork reads: “The application represents an opportunity to return the ground floor to productive and commercial use, benefiting the wider host building as well as representing a vote of confidence in Wigan town centre.

“A BoyleSports would represent a new occupier of the town centre at a time when betting shops face an uncertain future with a number of the household names announcing job cuts and store closures.

“It would also be a timely boost to the centre of Wigan, which has a number of vacant units, reaffirmed during Planning Potential’s site visit.”