A £135 million regeneration masterplan to transform Wigan town centre has been approved by the Council’s planning committee.
As part of what is the wider re-development project for the former Galleries shopping centre – which is just off Market Street in Wigan town centre – the planning committee at Wigan Council has this week also approved developers’ ambitious plans for a 84,000 sq ft Multi Media Centre (MMC) and leisure facility to help further transform the site.
The newly-approved revamp will include a brand-new six screen, 700-seat cinema, a multi-lane bowling alley, indoor mini golf, and a climbing wall, alongside a “wide range” of other indoor leisure activities, as well as a public events space, and a games arcade.
CGIs from the the wider Galleries redevelopment / Credit: Cityheart
Several new bar and restaurant establishments also form part of the plans, with the hopes of making Wigan “a night out destination”, according to local Councillor Laura Flynn.
Developers Cityheart have hailed the Council‘s approval of the plans as the chance to turn Wigan into a “thriving mixed-use town centre neighbourhood” where residents and visitors can “spend time relaxing with family and friends”.
CGIs from the the wider Galleries redevelopment / Credit: Cityheart
Alongside the newly-approved MMC is, of course, the multi-phase investment and development programme of the wider Galleries site – which is, according to Wigan Council, is aiming to deliver one of the UK’s “most innovative low carbon regeneration projects” and “transform” the town centre in several ways.
The development will comprise of almost 500 homes across seven new residential buildings, a 144-bedroom hotel, a new market hall and food court, as well as new landscaped areas of public space – including a square for events and performances.
CGIs from the the wider Galleries redevelopment / Credit: Cityheart
“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,” Warren Taylor, Development Director at Cityheart, commented on the approval of the masterplan.
“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.
Fantastic news yesterday afternoon as detailed plans for a new multi-function cinema and leisure centre located in the Galleries re-development site in Wigan town centre were approved by Wigan Council’s planning committee.
“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.
“We’re excited to achieve the next stage of delivering this transformational scheme for Wigan.”
The Galleries redevelopment scheme is set to create around 660 full-time jobs once it’s finally completed.
No timeframes or project completion date has been set out so far.
Featured Image – Cityheart / Wigan Council
News
Manchester to fall silent today to mark 80th anniversary of VJ Day
Emily Sergeant
Manchester will mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ Day) with a poignant ceremony at the city’s Cenotaph today.
While VE Day in May 1945 signified the end of World War II in Europe, thousands of British, Commonwealth, and Allied troops continued to fight in Asia and the Pacific – but VJ Day, which was declared on 15 August 1945, brought a final end to the global conflict.
The day remains a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of those who fought for freedom, and Manchester‘s commemorations today will aim to honour their courage, resilience, and sacrifice.
The event will bring together veterans, civic leaders, cadets, and members of the public in a shared moment of reflection and gratitude.
This year’s commemorations in the city centre will begin at 11:50am.
15 August 1945 marked Victory over Japan.
Join us tomorrow at 11:40am at the Cenotaph to commemorate the 80th anniversary of WWII in the Far East and honour those who served🫡
A two minute silence will be held at 12 noon, marked by a maroon.
Commemorations will start with opening remarks from The Very Reverend Rogers Govender, followed by a solemn programme of remembrance.
The service will begin at 11:58am with The Exhortation recited by Brigadier AG Ross OBE, followed by The Last Post sounded by WO2 Nick Burroughs, and then at midday, a national two-minute silence will be observed – which will be marked by the firing of a maroon.
Brigadier Ross will then recite the Kohima Epitaph, leading into the wreath laying ceremony featuring cadets from the Manchester Trafalgar Unit Sea Cadets, and the Lord Mayor of Manchester.
The service will conclude with the singing of the National Anthem.
Manchester to fall silent today to mark 80th anniversary of VJ Day / Credit: Manchester City Council
Iconic buildings and landmarks in Manchester, including the Manchester Civic Quarter Heat Network (CQHN) tower, will illuminate their facades from 9pm tonight to honour VJ Day.
“Today, Manchester stands united in remembrance and respect,” commented Councillor Carmine Grimshaw, who is the Lord Mayor of Manchester. “The 80th anniversary of VJ Day is not only a tribute to those who served and sacrificed, but also a celebration of peace and resilience.
“Manchester’s commemorations today reflect the deep gratitude we hold for those who gave so much for the freedoms we have today.”
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
News
First look at Chester Zoo’s new luxury safari-style lodges where you can sleep amongst the animals
Emily Sergeant
The first look at Chester Zoo’s new luxury safari-style resort has been released to the public, and it looks stunning.
In case you missed it, artist impression images of the highly anticipated wildlife lodge experience at Chester Zoo, called The Reserve, were unveiled earlier this year ahead of its grand opening to the public this month following several years in the works… but now opening day is right around the corner, the first official images have been shared.
The Reserve at Chester Zoo features 51 beautifully-designed lodges, with some overlooking a private savannah where giraffes, zebras, and blesbok antelope roam free, while others are nestled beside a peaceful lake.
Guests can choose from a variety of different lodges to stay in, available for up to nine people.
The lodges have been crafted using natural and sustainable materials, with the décor being inspired by landscapes in Africa, and it’s already being described as ‘the ultimate African safari experience right here in the UK’.
Combining luxurious accommodation with exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the zoo’s world-renowned wildlife, Chester Zoo says the new resort is set to transform how travellers experience conservation in the UK.
Those behind the project say the innovative concept – where every stay directly-funds the protection of threatened species globally – will help to strengthen the zoo’s role as ‘one of the country’s most loved and most impactful conservation charities’.
Chester Zoo has given the first look at its new luxury safari-style lodges / Credit: Chester Zoo
“The Reserve at Chester Zoo is a game-changer, not just for luxury travel but for conservation,” commented Jamie Christon, who is the CEO at Chester Zoo.
“Born from our long-standing commitment to protecting African wildlife, we’ve created a truly immersive, safari-style experience right here in the UK, where guests may wake up to giraffes on their doorstep, enjoy unforgettable wildlife encounters and relax in beautifully designed lodges surrounded by nature.
“But what makes The Reserve truly unique is its purpose.
“Guests at The Reserve aren’t just going to enjoy a luxury break – they’re going to power our conservation movement for generations to come.”
Stays at the resort are now available to book online / Credit: Chester Zoo
In the off-season, prices for the lodges start from £375, while one-night stays in summer start from £672.50.
And then in peak season, for the more luxurious lodges, prices can go all the way up to £2,486, but it is worth noting, however, that this does include guided safari tours and going behind the scenes with the giraffes.
Emily Sergeant -
13th July 2023 
