MAJOR work has started at Plank Lane which will result in the transformation of that part of Leigh.

Diggers moved onto the Bickershaw South site after the Northwest Regional Development Agency appointed Birse Civils to prepare the colliery site for redevelopment.

The NWDA has agreed a package of infrastructure works totalling almost £12 million with Birse, who have already completed the preparatory site clearance works.

The site is owned by NWDA and the works are being funded by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) under its National Coalfields Programme which is helping to breathe new life into derelict coalfield communities across England.

The Bickershaw South works package includes reclamation of derelict land within the site, diversion of the existing Plank Lane, provision of site road infrastructure, and construction of a 40 berth marina on the Leeds – Liverpool Canal.

Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of the NWDA, said: "It is excellent to see the start of the engineering works at Bickershaw Colliery. This is a substantial site with the potential to transform this area of Leigh.

"It will generate employment opportunities associated with the construction, and within the final development.

“Working closely with other public partners, we are creating the conditions to enable the private sector to subsequently undertake major investment and deliver the vision we share for Bickershaw.”

The next stage of the project will involve the marketing the site for private development industry with up to 650 homes and 2,750 sq m of employment space at the 56-acre (18 hectares) site.

Deborah McLaughlin, HCA’s Regional Director North West, said: “Bickershaw remains a major development priority for the HCA and additional funding of £19.14m clearly demonstrates our commitment to the area."

Andy Burnham MP said: “I have always seen this development as a crucial step in the ongoing regeneration of the Leigh area.”

Wigan Council Deputy Leader and regeneration champion, Cllr David Molyneux said: “The Bickershaw project is another example of some of the fantastic regeneration work that is taking place.

”A wind turbine producing 2MW is proposed on the adjacent, Wigan Council-owned, Bickershaw North site, to provide energy for the development."

Once site offices are constructed regular drop in mornings are planned on site where people can view plans and ask questions.

Site work is scheduled to last until summer 2011.