The North West
FETTLIN’ THE FUTURE FETTLIN’ THE FUTURE
Wigan town centre is undergoing a significant transformation and at the centre of it all sits Fettlers, one of the most ambitious regeneration schemes the borough has seen. On the site of the former Galleries shopping centre, Fettlers is more than a redevelopment. The scheme is set to transform the area into a vibrant new neighbourhood for people to live, work, shop, play and visit.
Led by Wigan Council in partnership with regeneration specialists Cityheart, the scheme will include a new, centrally located market hall, an attractive public square, a 144bed Hampton by Hilton hotel, leisure building and more than 400 highquality homes.
For Aidan Thatcher, Director for Place at Wigan Council, the momentum behind Fettlers marks a defining moment:
“This is a really important moment for Wigan. Seeing the progress on site makes it clear that Fettlers is becoming a reality. This development will create jobs, opportunities for local people and a town centre we can all be proud of. We’ve worked closely with Cityheart to make sure this scheme reflects Wigan’s identity and reflects our history and strong sense of community.”
What sets Fettlers apart is how deeply its identity is rooted in Wigan culture. The name itself was cocreated with local residents and draws from the Wiganese phrase “to fettle” - to fix, make, or mend. It’s a fitting tribute to Wigan’s heritage of graft, craftsmanship, and community spirit.
Makers, artists, and “true grafters” played a key role in shaping the brand, echoing a town that has long punched above its weight. People make Wigan, sporting legends, musicians, artists and makers. Fettlers cele- brates that creativity and resilience, using the past to shape a proud and ambitious future.
One of the first elements of the scheme, expected to open this year, will be the new market hall. Markets have long been a cornerstone of Wigan’s identity, and Fettlers’ contemporary version pays homage to that heritage while embracing the future with traditional traders set to stand shouldertoshoulder with modern food and drink operators.
20 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MONTHLY 2026
Alongside the market, work is also progressing on the new Hampton by Hilton hotel, which will be operated by Leaf Hospitality. It’s set to become a major asset for Wigan, strengthening its visitor offering and supporting business growth.
Hilton’s Paul Blackmore, Vice President of Development for the UK & Ireland, sees the scheme as a strong investment in the future of the town:
“Fettlers is a great example of how thoughtful regeneration can unlock new opportunities for a town. We’re pleased to be playing a role in that journey for Wigan, with the Hampton by Hilton hotel set to boost the local economy by attracting visitors, creating employment and helping to bring new energy and investment into the town centre.”
And it’s not just Fettlers. This site is within walking distance of other key redevelopment sites such as Cotton Works, Civic, and the iconic Wigan Pier, creating not just a visitor destination, but a powerful magnet for new investment. A revitalised town centre attracting new audiences, new businesses, and new opportunities.
Beyond the buildings, Fettlers is already delivering social and economic value for local people and the local economy. Construction activity has strengthened local supply chains, created apprenticeships, and supported local firms. Once open, the scheme will unlock long-term employment across hospitality, retail and leisure, helping ensure the benefits of regen- eration are felt by communities across the borough.
Fettlers isn’t just a development. It’s a symbolic moment in Wigan’s new chapter a future that is being fettled, forged, and shaped in the true Wigan way.
For the latest updates on what we’re fettling, visit:
www.fettlers.co.uk and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
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