Pennington Flash cafe prepares for opening in new development project

As part of a £2.7 million upgrade to the local nature reserve, The Hide Coffee House and Cafe will open in February.

Designed to attract more people to the Flash, The Hide is described as the "perfect place to grab a post-walk cuppa" and includes both inside and outside seating.

Following consultations with residents to improve the site, the wider development includes a new visitors centre, woodland play area, and improved toilet and parking facilities.

Planned to be fully completed this year, there have also been improvements to the footpaths and signage at the Flash.

READ > Popular town centre takeaway to close as owners plan to leave the country

The new cafe and visitor centre is a major feature of the Pennington Flash development (Image: Local Democracy Service)

In a social media post, The Hide, which is owned by Wigan Council said: "We’re delighted to announce that The Hide Coffee House & café will be opening in February!

"Our beautiful lakeside coffee house is the perfect place to grab a post-walk cuppa or bite to eat. Expect delicious coffee, cakes, sandwiches and more."

The £2.7m Pennington Flash development is part of a wider package of improvement works as part of the second phase of the £5m Believe in Leigh programme.

The full upgrades are set for completion this year (Image: Local Democracy Service)

In a previous statement, Councillor Keith Cunliffe, deputy leader of Wigan Council, said: “We know that improving the facilities at Pennington Flash Nature Reserve is one of the top priorities for residents as part of our Believe in Leigh Fund and the creation of this fabulous new play area is all part of our efforts to create the best possible experience for families.

“With work already well underway to resurface footpaths, install new signage and improve car parking – and with our new visitor centre and café due to open later this year – it’s a really exciting time for one of the jewels in Leigh’s crown.”