Investment in Wigan's key projects is set to reach close to £1 billion by the year 2028, a council cabinet report has revealed.
The report by director of place, Aiden Thatcher, was lauded by the town's council leader, Councillor David Molyneux, as 'worth waiting for' during a cabinet session.
Cllr Molyneux said: "I was looking forward to this report coming to cabinet and having read it, I'm even more excited now. It clearly shows the amount of investment that's taking place across the borough."
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From 2018 to 2024, public sector investments totalling £521m have been pumped into schools, housing, parks, and town centres within the borough, with an additional £479m earmarked for deployment by 2028.
Significant private enterprise ventures including the construction of over 8,000 new residences, substantial urban renewal projects like Fettlers and Cotton Works, and strategic alliances such as the Civic AI Innovation Hub are receiving accolades.
Future developments include ongoing works at Haigh Hall, enhancement plans for Leigh and Ashton-in-Makerfield town centres, Hope School, and extensive improvements to local housing.
Councillor Molyneux extolled the virtues of the study, noting the transformation of the Fettlers town centre, formerly known as The Galleries, which is expected to create social value worth £5m and over 450 employment opportunities.
The strategy also highlights efforts to foster digital and green skills development and to enhance transport links with potential Metrolink connections to Leigh.
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Cllr Nazia Rehman, the council's portfolio holder for finance, resources and transformation, said: "We are in a challenging economic climate, but we have been successful in attracting this investment, not only from the public sector but also from the private sector as well, is very encouraging.
"I hope our residents can exploit the social value elements this brings."
Deputy Leader of the council, Cllr Keith Cunliffe said: "People of the borough can also benefit from all the developments taking place in Greater Manchester, particularly the opportunities to improve transport links.
"There is a lot happening, but there's potential for much more to boost opportunities for local people."
The report detailed the £31.4m allocation of combined Levelling Up funding and the Plan for Neighbourhoods, aimed at the regeneration of Leigh town centre.
Plans include the creation of a new civic square and an enhanced public realm in Ashton-in-Makerfield town centre.
The development of a state-of-the-art facility at Hope School is set to foster inclusive education and skills development.
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Additionally, the report detailed an investment of around £341m into social home development through Wigan's Housing Revenue Account.
Mr Thatcher's report said: "The council is actively enabling private investment and external funding to support our shared ambitions."
The report highlighted the Wigan Station Gateway and a 'refreshed plan' for Leigh as critical catalysts for growth, along with ambitions for a health and care university centre and enhanced transport links, such as a Metrolink extension to Leigh.
"Public sector capital investment from 2018/19 to 2027/28 will total nearly £1bn," it said. "This has leveraged significant private investment, estimated at £1.5 to £2bn in housing alone, demonstrating the multiplier effect of public-led regeneration."