The regeneration plan for Wigan town centre will see the existing Galleries Shopping Centre redeveloped into a modern retail destination. The shopping centre will see fewer but larger shopping units, helping to address the fact that 63 of the current 147 retail units are vacant. The Makinson and Standishgate Arcades will also be revamped to attract independent retailers to the area, which has traditionally been the home of both High Street and independent shops. In addition to the Victorian-style Makinson Arcade dates back to the late 19th century, the current Galleries Shopping Centre complex also includes the Marketgate Shopping Centre. The redevelopment project will also bring new bars and restaurants, as well as a gym, leisure complex and a seven-screen cinema to the town centre.

The town centre regeneration project includes plans for the relocation of the Wigan Market Hall to its original home. The market will be moved to Market Street and Woodcock Street near Market Place. The new location will be opposite the Wigan coach station, which is undergoing a £16 million refurbishment.

The Wigan town centre regeneration project also includes a £1.3 million facelift for Market Place, which will be completed in 2015. The square’s make-over will include Council-funded work to remove current walls and benches, which will be replaced with a new water feature, trees and an open seating area. Once complete, Market Place will help draw visitors and host large public events. The project will also restore the town centre’s old street layout and make way for a large supermarket around a new square.

Scheduled for completion in four to five years, the project is being led by developed Vale Retail. Once complete, the Galleries will be rebranded as the Makinson Quarter. According to Vale Retail, the project will help keep shoppers in the town centre rather than visiting retail parks outside of Wigan. It is estimated that the revival plan for Wigan town centre will create approximately 400 jobs.