A new hotel with 144 bedrooms is set to open in Wigan as part of the town’s £135 million redevelopment project.
Officially announced this week by Wigan Council, in collaboration with its development partner Cityheart, the franchise agreement with world-renowned hotel brand, Hilton, will see a stunning six-storey Hampton by Hilton hotel pop up right in the heart of Wigan town centre, located just off Market Street.
Designed by JM Architects, and managed and operated by Leaf Hospitality, the new venture forms part of the Greater Manchester town’s £135 million redevelopment of the former Galleries Shopping Centre – which was approved last summer.
The hotel will be located directly-opposite the bus station entrance of New Market Street, and is within 500 yards of both town centre train stations.
It’s being called “one of the most important elements” of the Galleries masterplan.
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Artist impression images of the £135m Wigan Galleries redevelopment project / Credit: Cityheart
As well as the 144 bedrooms – with ‘accessible’ rooms to be built on each accommodation level – the new hotel will also house a gym overlooking the new square, a main reception area and dining space on the ground floor, and secure parking will be available for guests.
More than 60 staff are expected to be employed at the new hotel – which the Council says will provide a range of job opportunities for local residents.
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Councillor David Molyneux MBE, who is the Leader of Wigan Council, says the new hotel is an “exciting chapter” for Wigan’s future.
“It’s really exciting to welcome Hilton to this multi-million-pound redevelopment,” he commented as the plans were announced this week. “This well-known and prestigious brand coming to Wigan demonstrates the confidence that investors, businesses, and partners have… in our town centre.”
The new hotel is being called “one of the most important elements” of the Galleries masterplan / Credit: Cityheart
Graham Dodd, who is the Managing Director of Development at Hilton UK & Ireland, added: “Our partnership with Wigan Council marks an exciting new chapter, as part of Hilton’s growing presence in the North West. We were impressed by the Council and Cityheart’s vision to provide a thriving new retail, leisure, commercial and residential destination, and are excited to be part of Wigan’s transformation.
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“We look forward to welcoming guests to Hampton by Hilton and showcasing the town’s great potential to our global network.”
Wigan Council says “significant progress” is currently being made in preparing the cleared site for delivery of phase one of the Galleries redevelopment in the town centre – which includes this new Hampton by Hilton hotel, as well as new market hall and food court.
This initial phase will be closely followed with the construction of the Pavilion building and the MMC, all before 464 homes across seven new residential buildings are built, alongside a retirement living complex too.
Find out more about the Wigan Galleries £135 million redevelopment project here.
Featured Image – Cityheart / Wigan Council
News
Elbow teams up with Co-op Live to donate equipment to Manchester grassroots venues
Thomas Melia
Bury band Elbow have joined forces with Manchester’s biggest indoor arena, Co-op Live, in aid of supporting local grassroots venues.
The funds will help improve the already incredible music scene in Manchester, benefitting staples likes Night and Day Café, Matt and Phred’s Jazz Club, SOUP and more.
All of the donations will be distributed across six independent music venues and will be used for various instruments, PA equipment, backline technology and other necessities depending on the requirements of each site.
Elbow have teamed up with Co-op Live in aid of supporting Manchester grassroots venues.Credit: Supplied
This initiative has been keeping Manchester’s Northern Quarter in the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to live music as well as the impressive Co-op Live.
Alongside providing vital resources for these local institutions, Elbow teaming up with Co-op Live also helps cement the North West as one of the main powerhouses in relation to live music.
The latest efforts from the largest indoor arena in Manchester fall in line with celebrating one year of bringing some of the best live music to the city, being officially open for 12 months in May.
Co-op Live have made a commitment to the people and the planet, promising to donate £1 million annually to the Co-op Foundation.
The stunning Co-op Live venue, Manchester’s largest indoor arena.Elbow performing at Co-op Live, marking history as the first act to grace the venue.Credit: Audio North/Supplied
Manchester’s latest live music venue also contributed significantly to selected charities, including Happy Doggo – chosen by Liam Gallagher and Eric Clapton’s addiction recovery centre, Crossroads.
As Elbow teams up with Co-op Live, even more money is making its way to necessary resources, this time in the likes of crucial live music establishments.
Elbow front-person Guy Garvey says: “Playing Co-op Live’s opening night will stay with us for a lifetime, not least because of how incredible the room sounded.”
“When the venue donated funds in our name to support the city we love, it made complete sense to carry that through to the Northern Quarter and to venues that have meant so much to my bandmates and I throughout our career.”
Guy Dunstan, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Co-op Live, adds: “In the past year, I have been proud to see Co-op Live become an integral part of such an incredible city.”
“Teaming up with Elbow to directly support the venues that first put Manchester on the map, and to share something so intrinsic to us as venues – proper sound – is something truly special.”
Police launch investigation after a 19-year-old is stabbed in broad daylight at an Oldham retail park
Emily Sergeant
A police investigation has been launched after a stabbing in a ‘very public place’ in Oldham yesterday afternoon.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers were called out to Alexandra Retail Park in Oldham yesterday afternoon ( Sunday 30 March 2025) at 3:25pm, and when they arrived on the scene, they found that a 19-year-old man had been stabbed.
The victim was taken to hospital with ‘serious injuries’, and GMP assures that he and his family are being supported at this time.
A scene remains in place at the retail park and some of the surrounding areas while the investigation is ongoing, and a large police presence can also been seen too as officers continue to collect evidence and piece together the events of what happened.
Police also believe the attack to be an ‘isolated incident’ with those involved known to each other, indicating no threat to the wider public.
“We understand this incident is shocking and took place in a very public space,” commented Inspector Andrew Clayton.
“There have been no arrests so far, but enquiries are ongoing to determine who is responsible. At this stage, we do believe the attack to be an isolated incident involving those known to one another.”
Alexandra Retail Park, where the incident occurred yesterday afternoon / Credit: Google Maps
In a bid to gather as much information as possible, a public police appeal has been made.
Inspector Clayton continues: “We have spoken to a number of witnesses so far, but would encourage anyone who believes they have any information or dash cam footage which could assist our investigation, particularly that which may help us identify the perpetrators, to come forward.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact GMP on 101, quoting log 1757 of 30/03/25, or by getting in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Emily Sergeant -
15th March 2024 
