Wigan plan to create 15,000 jobs before 2035

People in Wigan are being urged to offer feedback on a new plan to stimulate job creation and housebuilding in the area over the next 20 years.

Wigan Borough Council is encouraging residents to have their say on the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF), which is expected to help create over 15k new jobs and nearly 25k homes in Wigan before 2035.

The GMSF sets out how the 10 local authorities in Greater Manchester will unlock economic growth and was approved by council leaders in October.

In Wigan, the GMSF’s key proposals to boost jobs include:

• Almost 235 acres of new employment land in Bryn and Ashton, which could create as many as 7,600 jobs
• Around 106 acres of new employment land in Orrell, potentially delivering a projected 3,400 jobs
• New employment land along the East Lancs Road and M61 corridors, which could create as many as 4,000 jobs

Meanwhile, housebuilding projects would be carried out across sites in Astley and Boothstown, north of Mosley Common and south of Pennington, Leigh.

Wigan Council has likewise committed to attracting investment in the area’s infrastructure, ensuring people can connect to the new opportunities.

Cllr David Molyneux, Wigan Council’s Deputy Leader, said: “It is crucial that local people engage with the consultation on the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework.

“This will be an important plan that will inform future planning decisions for the whole of Greater Manchester, including the borough of Wigan.”

He added: “It is my view that Wigan is the best strategically placed local authority in Greater Manchester.”

Speaking further, he said he believes the borough will benefit from “significant economic growth” in the next couple of decades.

Cllr Molyneux continued: “It is also important that with growth in housing and employment Wigan borough is able to invest in its infrastructure and we will be working with our partners in Greater Manchester to ensure that significant investment in our transport links is delivered.

“We have HS2 coming to the borough and we want improved local infrastructure and better east-west connections, including HS3, to be delivered as well.”

The authority will now hold a series of drop-in sessions where members of the public can find out more about the plans and share their views.

For the full list of meeting locations and times, head to the Wirral Council website.

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