Design of Civic Square published - as market set for six month closure

As reported by the Journal, Wigan Council secured £11.4m for the regeneration of Leigh town centre last year, in addition to a long term £20m pot that focuses on safety and security, regeneration and heritage, and transport and connectivity.

With the £11.4m Levelling Up Fund focusing on improvements to Civic Square, revamped shop fronts, and a refurbished Leigh Market, further details have been released as the council encourages local people, businesses, and employees to share their thoughts on the plans.

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The council has published a survey on its plans for Civic Square (Image: Wigan Council) With the council aiming to revamp Civic Square with improved paving, plants, trees, seats, and spaces, a new computerised image has been published on how the square may look in the near future.

Following the successful events that Civic Square has hosted over the years, such as the Women's Euros fan park, Leigh Leopards homecoming, the King's Coronation, and Leigh Feasts, the council hopes that improving the square will ensure that it continues to be used as a cultural and community space.

The council wants to improve the appearance of Civic Square (Image: Wigan Council) Although the exact designs for Leigh Market are yet to be released, the council has confirmed that essential works to the roof, heating, ventilation and lighting systems will be included.

With the aim to modernise the market building and make it more attractive for traders and customers, the works are expected to change the look and feel of the market hall.

Traders have been informed that the refurb of Leigh Market is set to begin in January 2026, and that a full closure of the market is "unavoidable" due to the scale of the works needed.

With the closure expected to last for up to six months, the council has said it is committed to working with traders to manage the disruption. Temporary and alternative locations have been suggested as solutions.

For the shop front improvement scheme, the council is offering grant funding to incentivise owners to invest in their premises and improve the appearance of buildings and shop fronts along Bradshawgate and Railway Road.

Leigh market will be fully closed for refurbishment works in 2026 (Image: Wigan Council) Councillor David Molyneux MBE, Leader of Wigan Council, said: “We were out and about earlier this year speaking to communities in Leigh about what they would like to see at Civic Square.

“There were lots of ideas from seating and lighting to make it safe and comfortable, space for play, fun and events, trees and planting, and ideas around reflecting our strong local story and heritage in Leigh.

“We’ve taken all that feedback into a draft design for the Square, and now we want to know what you think."

More information about the Civic Square plans can be found here, where a short survey can be completed before Sunday, December 15. More information about the wider regeneration project can be found here.