STACK Wigan gets go-ahead
A disused Debenhams store will be converted into a leisure and entertainment hub after receiving planning permission.
Earlier this month, Wigan Council confirmed the application from STACK, who has a track record of repurposing empty sites.
The plans, submitted by Savills on STACK’s behalf, will provide a gross internal floor area of more than 48,000 sq ft.
The site sits within the existing Grand Arcade shopping centre, with a partial external area, and will comprise of three floors.
Planning documents show that STACK Wigan will be home to a variety of local independent shops as well as providing daily live entertainment for all ages.
The development will “add a vibrancy and contemporary twist,” and “will bolster existing businesses, consequently increasing and invigorating tourism and footfall,” according to the application.
STACK Wigan will create 140 permanent jobs.
The venue will be able to accommodate up to 2,000 people and will alter Concert Square by adding a frontage to the square.
Neill Winch, chief executive of STACK, said: “STACK is all about creating a vibrant, inclusive space that offers something for everyone, which is why it resonates so strongly wherever we go.
“This is a strategic direction for STACK as we continue to breathe new life into underutilised spaces, turning them into destinations that benefit both local communities and businesses.
Local food traders have been encouraged to put in offers for units.
STACK already has successful sites in Lincoln, Sunderland, and Newcastle.
The latter, St. James’s STACK, which is connected to Newcastle United’s stadium, welcomed 38,000 visitors in its first four days.
The architect for the Wigan project is DunwoodiesSwift Architects, RPS was the acoustic consultant.
To view this application, use the reference number A/24/96953/FULL on Wigan Council’s planning portal.
What about parking
By Carl Evans
Not for me!!!
By Alan Wright
Why can’t St Helens get a primark the shop are rubbish
By Anonymous
Didn’t the old galleries have loads of little units already that could have been used for a project like this and round the square where the market stalls
were in the day a wonderfully balcony you could have sat looked down and watched varying performances from music .sport to the arts and you knocked it all down .
By Anonymous
When will it open?
By Anonymous
This is great news, will be a brilliant addition to the town centre. The popularity of Feast at the Mills shows there is a gap in the market in the heart of the town centre for this type of use and with a well-established national operator like Stack, I’m sure it will be well run. Looking forward to visiting here as soon as possible.
By Wigan Resident