Improvements needed for Leigh's declining night-time economy

With Leigh's nightlife on the decline in recent years, a partnership between Leigh Means Business and Salford University was struck to look into the problems facing the local night-time economy.

The three-month study, which was carried out by the University, found that both the scale and the value of the nightlife in Leigh have declined in recent years.

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Bar Quaye closed in July 2022 after ten years in the town (Image: Google Maps)

Some of the reasons for this, the study shows, is that Leigh's nightlife has a small cluster of venues, but with a lack of diversity. Regulatory policies are also said to have "stifled the growth of the night-time economy".

Residents had previously complained that a five-year council order had contributed to the lack of variety in the night-time economy, which meant that since 2016, new licences for bars, pubs, nightclubs and takeaways in the town centre were refused unless there were "genuinely exceptional" exemptions.

The Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ) was put in place in both Wigan and Leigh town centres to address the "high levels of alcohol-related crime", and was finally lifted by the council last year.

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A council order was put in place to tackle anti-social behaviour in 2016 (Image: Leigh Journal)

The study also states that the "infrastructure for the night-time economic activity in Leigh is weak", with inadequate public transportation, poor amenities, and inappropriate lighting.

With one of the biggest nightclubs in Leigh, Est 1899, receiving a one-month suspension following a violent incident in December, there have also been concerns about the safety of the night-time economy.

It is therefore crucial, the study says, to make the town centre safer, more visually attractive, and innovative in offering more events and locations to attract a diverse range of visitors and private investment.

The report also says that an integrated approach from the local authority, community groups, and private businesses is necessary to address the shortcomings in Leigh's night-time economy and enable it to thrive.

Est 1899 was given a months suspension in December following a violent incident (Image: Google Maps)

Commenting on the study, Les Thomas, Chairman of Leigh Means Business said, "The study highlights the need for action to address the challenges facing Leigh's night-time economy. Improving the night-time economy is crucial for the overall economic development and revitalisation of the town.

"It will require collaboration between all stakeholders, including local authorities, businesses, community groups, and nearby residents."

Leigh Innovation Board (Image: Wigan Council)

Aware of the difficulties facing Leigh's night-time economy, Wigan Council recently formed the Leigh Innovation Board aims to drive forward a long-term vision for the regeneration of the town.

The board brings together representatives from the local authority, public sector partners, business, voluntary and community organisations.

A council spokesperson for Wigan Council said: “Town centres across the country are facing difficult times, with the impact of the pandemic and most recently the cost-of-living crisis creating real challenges for the night-time economy.

“We have ambitious plans for Leigh, but we know we cannot deliver them alone and we are working with businesses and communities across Leigh town centre. 

“We have set up a safety marshal scheme to make Leigh town centre more welcoming at night-time, and have used our very successful Our Town programme to improve the overall appearance of the town centre making it more welcoming and attractive.

“Recently, we launched the Leigh Innovation Board, bringing together the council, Police, local businesses, local charities and more, to drive forward the long-term vision for the regeneration in the town.

“We will continue to proactively look for opportunities to bring grant funding, investment and long-term improvements to Leigh town centre.”

For a further look at the Salford University study, you can follow this link.