The Galleries Redevelopment (cont.)
There’s still time to have your say.
Write to:
Wigan Council
Development Management
Town Hall
Wigan
WN1 3DS
• Quote ref. no. A/21/91796/MAJES
• Provide your name & address
Or submit views online: Link
Comments So Far: 124
• Objections: 118
• Supporting: 6
Started: 21st Aug 2021 at 10:52
Last edited by jo anne: 7th Sep 2021 at 15:09:09
Read through the application comments here:
planning.wigan.gov.uk
This campaign group has further info and ideas:
Save Wigan Town Centre through Friends of Wigan Town Centre - Facebook
Replied: 21st Aug 2021 at 11:00
Free weekend car parking on Council owned car parks in Wigan and Leigh, until 27th March 2022.
(The Grand Arcade car park is not council owned.
Roadside parking is not covered.)
www.wigan.gov.uk
Replied: 21st Aug 2021 at 11:08
Hello Joanne,, I would like to let you know i and my wife have signed the petition and also the one in the market hall beside's ,near the newspaper seller .I sent a letter of objection to the new proposals of Wigan Council Acknowledged my objection and gave me a ref number . But what surprise's me is the scant amount that have done so i thought there would have been a lot more objections . that's all .....GB
Replied: 21st Aug 2021 at 14:53
GB people will not bother because they do not use Wigan Centre now so they are not bothered what happens to the town in the future
Replied: 21st Aug 2021 at 15:21
Hello GB, I think a lot of people care about Wigan Town Centre, but feel powerless about what will happen to it.
PeterP, admittedly numbers are dwindling, (as is happening nationally) but I pop into Wigan quite often and shoppers are still spending time and money there.
Replied: 21st Aug 2021 at 17:32
An editorial in The Guardian (18th Aug) “Out with new buildings for the planet’s sake”
Interesting points:
• The big obstacle is that new is cheaper than old. The state puts 0% VAT on many new buildings, but refurb and repair incurs the full 20%. Since Brexit the UK can set its own VAT rates, so the system could be reversed.
• As so much building happens under the remit of the public sector, it should be easier to fix a minimum threshold for demolition.
Replied: 21st Aug 2021 at 17:43
An architect has recently contacted ‘Save Wigan Town Centre’ - Facebook
Replied: 21st Aug 2021 at 17:50
Someone has shared this hopeful story on the ‘Save Wigan Town Centre’ page - Facebook
Guardian Link (19th Aug)
The article by Aditya Chakrabortty tells how market traders “have driven out a property giant, sending a clear message that the old model of regeneration is broken”.
Replied: 21st Aug 2021 at 18:02
Tweets ‘Liked’ by Wigan Council”s social media team today
Replied: 16th Sep 2021 at 22:40
I have got hold of a more accurate plan of The Galleries new development, and apparently the underground parking will not be part of the existing underground service area of The Galleries, but it will be a system called 'Podium Parking' which is underground, but done in a different way.
The plans are in this LINK
Replied: 16th Sep 2021 at 22:49
We got all the letter's back from clown council stating they had received our letter's of objection to the proposed changes, i don't think owt will happen ior we have tried anyway .......GB
Replied: 17th Sep 2021 at 15:00
Looks like the Market Hotel is going and this is from a council who are spending millions on the FIRE WITHIN portraying Wigan's heritage
GB all this 'send in letters to object' malarky was just paying LIP SERVICE Did anyone ever think that they were going to change their plans???
THANK YOU all the Labour voters who keep voting them in year after year
Replied: 17th Sep 2021 at 21:54
PLEASE READ THIS. As I have been informed from a friend who has enquired, a person from the Council and another spokesperson from the developers have suggested that they have no intentions to demolish the Market Hotel/Tavern and stated that the plans would be revised to indicate this. However (and I am only passing on info from a friend), the drawings on the application still show the Market Hotel within the red boundary (and other hatching depicting a stage 2 demolition) which indicates a desire to demolish the building. My friend has sent a screen shot of this to to show the present application - no amendments. Also, my friend has expressed his concern that his conversation with the Council regarding representations/concerns/ objections can only be accepted from the online Planning Portal or email. As many elderly people are unable to use IT it appears to be discriminatory. But if you look at actual national planning obligations you will find that you can submit my post/letter.
A very important historic building is in danger of being wiped away along with the previous important features of Wigan's heritage. If we don't address these issues we will become the Milton Keynes of the north.
Replied: 22nd Sep 2021 at 18:13
Little brown envelopes have already been issued.... R. I. P. WIGAN Town centre.
Replied: 22nd Sep 2021 at 18:58
“In November, a specially arranged planning committee will take place to consider the Galleries planning application and any comments or objections received.”
The planning committee is due to consider the application on Tue 2nd Nov. (M.E.N.)
Link: democracy.wigan.gov.uk
I’d love to be a fly on the wall at that meeting.
Replied: 23rd Sep 2021 at 11:53
Action needed very soon. Even though my informant has told me that the Council have no plans to demolish the Market Hotel, the application drawing still shows it is to be demolished. More info - although the developer hasn't been able to purchase the building, my informant has shown me a document that suggests that the Council pit in for a compulsory purchase order. Moving on My informant has expressed his worrying approach to a couple of Councillors who have suggested that he should just leave the decisions to the 'big boys'.
I find this rather worrying and wonder how we might find the truth as everyone expressing concern appear to be brushed away...
Replied: 30th Sep 2021 at 19:45
Very worrying, JR.
“Action needed very soon.”
I wonder what effective action can be taken?
Replied: 1st Oct 2021 at 10:33
The councillors have decided and that's an end to it.
Replied: 1st Oct 2021 at 15:39
galleries25.com:
“Will this happen?”
“In short, yes.”
Replied: 1st Oct 2021 at 18:08
I agree, the council have made up their minds, Just like the demolition of the old Market hall They got thousands of signatures against it but they didn't take any notice.... They are just paying LIP SERVICE.to the people of Wigan. At one time the Councillors of the town were predominantly people born and bred in Wigan and fully aware of the towns heritage These days they are people who have no affinity to Wigan Who after a few years, will move onto another town and do the same there.
I wonder what odds I can get at the Bookies as to it being saved?????
Replied: 2nd Oct 2021 at 09:36
It took just shy of a decade to get The Galleries up and running, from about this time of year in 1983 when the old Market Square bus station closed, and they coned off the road into that bus station, and prepared to demolish it, and it was well into 1992 after Princess Diana, had officially opened the place, before work finally ended.
Replied: 2nd Oct 2021 at 09:59
I totally agree admin.
Replied: 2nd Oct 2021 at 13:44
I couldn't care less what they do with Wigan, as I never go there. I'd rather have my nostril stapled to the skirting board!
Replied: 2nd Oct 2021 at 14:16
Nasty
Replied: 2nd Oct 2021 at 15:04
If many of the comments I have read over the years in here are to be believed no one in Wigan ever wanted the place to start with. Yet here we are campaigning to save it!!
Nowt as queer as folk
Replied: 2nd Oct 2021 at 16:37
Stardelta
They want to tear it down and build flats on the site, flats on the old Market Square.
I suppose that is progress isn't it
Businesses will be flocking to open premises in Wigan Town Centre won't they
This cinema they are building there, if you visit it at night, where will yoo park ?
I mean I suppose that is a daft question for me to ask, but the company who will be building the cinema might want an answer to the same question
Replied: 2nd Oct 2021 at 17:26
Rebuild t`market hall and put t`town center back as it wor in 1955
Everything will be reet then!
Replied: 2nd Oct 2021 at 17:53
Last edited by Stardelta: 2nd Oct 2021 at 17:58:52
Aye
Replied: 2nd Oct 2021 at 18:13
Tonker that was a nasty comment, well said Admin I have asked many times how many of the councillors have any connection to Wigan , and I was shocked to be informed that there is 2 why should this be allowed, no wonder our heritage has gone the people who make decisions on our town should be the people who appreciate it and live in it.
Replied: 3rd Oct 2021 at 00:42
bambam, my previous comment wasn't quite true. There's no way I'd rather have my nostril stapled to the skirting board. I'm not that daft.
Although, it really is true that I couldn't care less what they do with Wigan, as I never go there anymore, if I can avoid it!
I disagree about councillors. They don't make decisions, they are just a set of clowns.
The Council makes decisions.
Just have a listen to what they do,, ....... HERE.
Especially at 34:45 minutes and 44:45 minutes,for a couple of examples of outright idiocy!.
P.S. What you hear there (Mister Mayor) is the 'Wigan Accent'!
Replied: 3rd Oct 2021 at 01:42
Last edited by tonker: 3rd Oct 2021 at 01:44:14
are they still knocking down the Market Tavern?
Replied: 3rd Oct 2021 at 11:03
Yes, Basil they are, but it looks like the owner of the old pub will be holding out and wanting a few bob off the council, for the building.
Replied: 3rd Oct 2021 at 11:24
Replied: 3rd Oct 2021 at 11:37
There’s still time to have your say.
Write to:
Wigan Council
Development Management
Town Hall
Wigan
WN1 3DS
• Quote ref. no. A/21/91796/MAJES
• Provide your name & address
Or submit views online: Link
Comments So Far: 132
• Objections: 126
• Supporting: 6
A comment on Wed 13th Oct was submitted by one of the three Councillors for Wigan Central Ward: Link
M.E.N. reported in September - Link:
“Wigan MP Lisa Nandy has called on Wigan council to fulfil the ‘clear commitments’ it made to her that all councillors would have the opportunity to debate the redevelopment plans at a full council meeting.
More than 5,000 people have signed a petition calling for the plans to be paused – passing the threshold usually required for a full council debate.”
Replied: 22nd Oct 2021 at 11:45
I agree with those comments 100%
Replied: 22nd Oct 2021 at 12:59
Yep, me too.
Replied: 22nd Oct 2021 at 13:18
Can anyone recall the name of the woman who was sacked for starting a petition up against the new plans??? Just to mention i bumped into her in Wigan other day ,she was in the process of having leaflet's printed for distribution her intentions are to run for being a councillor ,,she appeared to be a pleasant woman ,and knows what she wants , My memory has failed me to recall her name .any help with it please ,,,,,,,,,GB
Replied: 22nd Oct 2021 at 14:35
Maureen O’Bern
Replied: 22nd Oct 2021 at 14:50
There’s a lot of sound sense amongst the public’s comments, but sadly I don’t think anyone with any clout in the decision is listening.
From Twitter this afternoon:
Replied: 22nd Oct 2021 at 16:36
Red tie wearing monkeys ha ve destroyed Wigan.
Replied: 22nd Oct 2021 at 17:52
I really am sick of this council, and this reminds me of the Youth Zone saga, folk said that the Youth Zone would be out of place on the Mesnes Field, and it would not fit in with the surrounding buildings, that being Drumcroon and the old Rushton's building, and it doesn't, because it looks out of place and stupid, and the council would not be told about that, and this is going the same way, the old Market Square will become a massive blot on the landscape of the Town Centre.
Replied: 23rd Oct 2021 at 10:32
Totally agree TTS….and that youthzone is awful,out of place,scruffy and a litter collector
Replied: 23rd Oct 2021 at 11:35
Unfortunately since 1974 Philistinism has played a major role in shaping Wigan’s future. The local government reorganisation ushered in increased executive powers, at enhanced remuneration levels, and a reduction in councillor influence.
Looking back at the changes that have taken place over the last 47 years it is difficult to accept that, in general, they have been to the benefit of the residents of Wigan.
Replied: 23rd Oct 2021 at 13:27
What I can't understand is why the council will not move the Market Hall into Marketgate {{BEFORE}} they demolish The Galleries ?
Doesn't make sense, unless they want the Chinese money to convert Marketgate.
Replied: 23rd Oct 2021 at 14:04
Bury did all this about 10 years ago. Its called The Rock and I have visited many times. To shop, to eat and drink and to visit the cinema. Its a popular and busy place,
Wigan needs something similar, it would be a huge asset and I cant understand why people are so against it
The Rock
Replied: 23rd Oct 2021 at 19:07
Stardelta don't we have something like that down Robin park? Is the knocking down of The Galleries still going ahead as planned for January? I'll miss going to Heron and I hope they are going to move elsewhere in the town centre.
Replied: 24th Oct 2021 at 10:22
A tweet today:
Replied: 26th Oct 2021 at 23:26
This morning, on the way to work, the traffic was queued frommy house, up Liverpool Road and all the way through Ashton centre. It took 20 minutes to get through the length of Gerard Street.
Then I discovered why ........
they'd covered the traffic lights outside the Robin Hood and Cross Keys and put temporary lights in place, coning off one lane of Bolton Road for 200 metres or so.
NO workmen were present. Just cones, barriers and traffic lights.
On the way back, at 5:30, the traffic was backed up to near the speed camera at the bottom of Stubshaw brow because the temporary traffic lights barriers and cones were still there, nothing been done at all.
Why do they do this? Can't they co-ordinate the different teams to work consecutively to get the jobs done quickly?
Replied: 26th Oct 2021 at 23:58