Leigh’s 185-acre housing development comes forward

The first phase of a £300m regeneration scheme on a former mining and heavy industry site in Leigh has been given the go-ahead by Wigan Council.

The long-term proposals for the 185-acre North Leigh Park, off Nel Pan Lane, include 1,800 new homes. The first phase will deliver 162 homes as well as a new access point, green open spaces and wildlife habitat.

North Leigh Park is being delivered through a private public partnership between Guernsey-based Long Port Group and Wigan Council. Long Port previously redeveloped the 278-acre Gibfield Park former mining site in Atherton, Wigan.

Later phases proposed include a 500,000 sq ft business park and 19 acres of green infrastructure, along with local centre and community uses.

Outline planning permission was granted in February 2013.

North Leigh Park is the only strategic site in the borough allocated for housing in Wigan’s core strategy.

Wigan Council has committed to funding the delivery of a major new east-west link road that will join the A578 Leigh Road to the A579 Atherleigh Way. The road will significantly improve traffic conditions and accessibility in the area, unlocking the site and wider regeneration corridor.

Full remediation of the site is expected to be completed in 2018. LDA Design is advising.