Atherton building plans aim to make town centre a 'destination' again

In recent years, Atherton's high street has thrived in the evenings thanks to a vibrant mix of independent businesses such as the Cabinet, the Snug, the Plaza, Society, and Carmen Bar & Eatery.

However, following the closure of businesses such as Quality Save, an accumulation of derelict buildings, and increasing parking concerns, many have observed that Market Street has struggled for trade in the day time.

With a tight-knit community in Atherton, there have been suggestions that the reopening of Market Street to cars or improved park and ride facilities could boost business in the day time.

The redevelopment of empty properties has been another suggestion, and while this can be tricky due to the collaboration needed between landlords and investors, there are plans for two projects that hope to breathe new life into Atherton.

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Plans have been submitted to turn the upstairs Market Street premises into flats (Image: Cllr Lee McStein) With neighbouring units derelict for around two decades at the top end of Market Street, there have finally been proposals to change the use of the former Monks Travel and Images: Cards, Gifts and Balloons.

Hoping to acquire planning permission from Wigan Council, developers are planning to convert the upstairs of both buildings into high quality, self-contained flats.

There are also plans to revamp the ground floor and shop fronts of each unit, with the aim to let these out as retail premises.

Local councillors were given a tour of the Market Street premises this month (Image: Cllr Lee McStein) Speaking about the plans, Debra Wailes, councillor for Atherton South and Lilford, said: "We are really pleased with these plans as the building has been derelict and an eyesore for more than 20 years.

"I think it's great to offer high quality accommodation because we need more people in our town centres, and the investor was really positive about providing a retail premises that offers something different on the high street."

While Cllr Wailes acknowledged the difficulty that businesses and residents have faced over recent years, she hopes that developments like this can encourage further investment and more variety into Atherton's town centre.

Additional loading bays and improved parking facilities are smaller scale improvements that can be made in Atherton, Cllr Wailes explained, while consultation results from the council's Local Plan will help to forge a long-term project for the town.

Day time footfall and parking facilities have been a concern for residents in Atherton (Image: Cllr Stuart Gerrard) "We really need to nurture independent businesses to come and invest in Atherton", Cllr Wailes added.

"We want to Atherton to be a destination so it's about working together to make the high street more attractive for investors and offering a wide variety of shops both in the day and night time."