The Civic Centre is an eye-catching brutalist building across from Wigan Town Hall and for many a year now has lain empty.
Wigan Council are now well underway with a 21st-century revamp which will turn the structure into a sustainable business hub for local start-ups and entrepreneurs.
Developer Capital & Centric have appointed Workspace Design & Build to complete the works.
Cllr David Molyneux, executive leader of Wigan Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see things moving on this exciting project with the appointment of the building contractor.
“I’m certainly pleased to see such an iconic and important building in Wigan’s history get a new lease of life and look forward to next summer when the first workspace opens.”
Cllr Lawrence Hunt, for Wigan Central, said: “This project is just another fantastic example of how Wigan town centre is bucking the national trend with increased footfall – the impressive redevelopment of our town centre is beginning.
“Wigan is clearly the place to invest. Currently we have over £1 billion invested in our town, which is increasing month on month.”
Keeping local business talent in Wigan
As a CLP, we are really pleased that this classic 70s building on Millgate in Wigan is being saved and will offer a much-needed collaborative workspace in the town.
The image is an artist’s impression of how the building will look. As well as ample office space it will contain a mini-cinema, gym lounges and roof terrace.
Wigan has, in the past, lost some fresh talent to nearby cities due to employment offers and education facilities being more attractive – but this is all changing. As as the Labour Party has promised, we will kickstart growth and support local businesses. And the local further and higher education offer has massively improved recently thanks to Wigan and Leigh Collage and Edge Hill University’s partnership.
It comes as the former Debenhams building is scheduled for a new tenant – food, drink and entertainment company Stack.
Along with the Galleries redevelopment, and Eckersley Mill project, Wigan is undergoing some massive changes at the moment. The future is looking bright indeed.