Wigan town centre is due to be 'transformed' as demolition work starts on multi-million pound redevelopment. The Galleries Shopping Centre started to be torn down in July and council are hoping to open the redevelopment in 2024.
The market stalls will get their new home inside the facility when it goes up but concerned locals want to ensure it does not falter before then. That is why PlaceCo have been appointed to look over the transition period.
Working in partnership with the Council, the market management, animation and activation specialists, they will liaise with current and future traders to help with the move to the town’s new Market Hall that will include markets, retail, food and leisure.
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Jackie Casey, managing director of PlaceCo, said: “We are delighted to be working with Wigan Council and developer Cityheart on this visionary project. This game changing development will transform Wigan into an even greater place to visit for local people and visitors from further afield.
“The current Market Hall is continuing to trade in its current location during the demolition of the wider Galleries shopping complex. We recognise the importance of supporting traders and keeping footfall levels as high as possible throughout the redevelopment. This will mean specific marketing plus a schedule of events and animation that will eventually link into the launch of the new Market Hall space.”
Work started on the demolition of The Galleries Shopping Centre in July 2022. The new Market Hall is set to be the first building to be delivered as part of the mixed-use redevelopment project and is targeted to be open in 2024.
Aidan Thatcher, Director – Growth and Economy at Wigan Council, said: “Wigan Council is committed to investing in and supporting the market and its local traders to thrive, which is why we have appointed PlaceCo to drive footfall and support the existing market traders. We will be working closely with PlaceCo to identify ways to create a vibrant and enticing environment in and around the Market Hall, helping to ensure visitors continue to support their local businesses.”
The £135 million redevelopment looks to provide a vibrant new retail, leisure, commercial and residential destination in the heart of the town centre, transforming Wigan town centre into a vibrant, attractive and accessible place to live, work and visit.
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