A long-term vision to drive the regeneration of Leigh has been approved by Wigan Council.
Ruling cabinet members on Thursday endorsed the Strategic Regeneration Framework (SRF) for Leigh town centre – a key plan which sets out an ambitious and exciting future for the town.
It outlines the roadmap to a new and varied offer that attracts investment, improves experience and provides opportunities for local people and businesses.
Deputy Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor Keith Cunliffe said: “We want Leigh to be a vibrant and attractive place to live, with a reinvigorated town centre which is at the heart of the community.
“It’s a town with rich history and a positive future, which makes it a big part of our growth plans.
“However, like many towns across the country, Leigh has been affected as people choose to spend money online rather than at high street stores.
“This plan is essential to defining a new future for the town centre and helps us to demonstrate a long-term vision, which is essential when bidding for additional resources, such as the government’s Levelling Up Fund.
“We want to be ambitious for the future of Leigh and drive forward positive change and investment.”
A consultation held earlier this year to gather the views of local people about the plan received more than 1,700 comments.
The SRF sets out eight key objectives related to environment, homes, movement, people, wellbeing, economy and skills, engagement and empowerment and retail, culture and leisure, as well as the key actions proposed to achieve them
It includes Key development opportunities such the West Bridgewater Street site and sites around the eastern edge of the town around Chapel Street, Brown Street and Gas Street, improving connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists within and around the town centre, including access to the canal and developing the Civic Square as a vibrant hub for civic and cultural activity.
