Although Wigan found success in getting £20 million in funding for the historic Haigh Hall, there was a whiff of disappointment in the borough following the two rejections for Leigh and Ashton town centre. The plan for Ashton was for a multifunctional square in the centre that could be home to a range of community, social and entrepreneurial activities to boost productivity and restore a sense of community.
This would go alongside the introduction of greenery and lights along Garswood Street and Gerard Street. One of the key aspects for Ashton was traffic control - which the £7.2 million bid would go towards stopping.
Improvements include infrastructure upgrades to Old Road and Wigan Road which aim to reduce traffic movements in the residential area through a series of active neighbourhood measures, crossing facility upgrades and connection improvements.
