Wigan Council has submitted a planning application for a major refurbishment of Leigh Market, including proposals for a new roof, entrance, and lobby area.
Aware of the significant connection that the market has to the people of Leigh, the local authority included the building’s revamp as part of its Levelling Up (now Local Regeneration Fund) scheme.
As the planning application moves forward, preparatory works are also set to take place at several units within Spinning Gate Shopping Centre. Following discussions with traders, the market will be temporarily located to these units next year whilst the refurbishment of the main market hall is underway.
Councillor Dane Anderton, portfolio holder for economic development and regeneration, said: “The proposals for Leigh Market represent an exciting opportunity to refurbish a much-loved community venue that is home to a diverse group of traders.
“While these plans aim to protect the future of the market and put it in a much more stable condition, we want to ensure that the development works for both traders and shoppers alike. I’m pleased that after productive discussions with traders, the temporary market will be located as close to the existing site as possible.”
Boasting a long and proud market history, Leigh is believed to have held an outdoor market for hundreds of years. Traders previously operated at Market Place, across from St Mary the Virgin Church on today’s Civic Square, while an indoor facility was later constructed at Leigh Road in the 1960s.
The current market hall at Gas Street was built in 1988, and although a vibrant mix of traders ensures it remains as one of the town centre’s most popular features, significant improvement works have been identified at the building, particularly to the roof.
Providing weatherproof, thermally insulated protection for traders and shoppers, a replacement roof will vastly improve the building’s current condition while also helping to make market operations run more efficiently through the installation of solar panels.
Meanwhile, a new, modern entrance aims to raise the profile of the market and maximise footfall.
A wide, front facing entrance and lobby has been designed to attract visitors from Bradshawgate and provide views in and out of the market, with clear, contemporary signage designed in keeping with other modern market halls.
An illuminated façade has also been proposed to highlight the building’s year-round usage, while the entrance’s pleated features and palette pay homage to Leigh’s market town heritage, traditional pitched stalls, and surrounding architecture.
