Thatcher leaves Wigan as council’s development stance shifts

Aidan Thatcher, the council’s director of place for the last five and a half years, has departed in pursuit of a new challenge.  

Thatcher joined Wigan Council in 2021 following three years as director of planning and building control at Belfast City Council.   

Upon arriving in Greater Manchester, he was assistant director of growth and housing but was swiftly promoted to director of place following Becca Heron’s departure for Manchester City Council.  

Speaking to Place North West about his resignation, Thatcher said: “It has been a good five-and-a-half years but the time feels right to move on.  

“Understandably things are changing in Wigan. I am driven by getting things moving and keeping development happening, and there’s a bit of a slowdown in Wigan at the moment, which has led to me thinking about new opportunities.”  

In recent weeks, Wigan Council has made a series of moves suggesting its approach to development is changing.  

The authority withdrew four large Green Belt sites that had been earmarked for employment space from its emerging local plan and objected to Peel Land’s Gibfield Park.  

Together, the five sites have the potential to accommodate 5m sq ft of industrial space.  

Councillors are also preparing to vote on a motion to object to developer Tritax’s plans for an 8.2m sq ft logistics scheme and rail freight terminal in St Helens, which incorporates some land in Wigan.  

The shift has occurred in the wake of the controversy around warehouses constructed by PLP in Astley. An independent review into the scheme found the council’s decision-making to be sound.  

Thatcher leaves Wigan with plenty of positive memories about the role he has played in a making Wigan a “properly investable proposition”.  

This is evidenced in the regeneration of the former Galleries shopping centre into Fettlers, a mixed-use scheme whose first phase is due to open next year.  

The Heaton Group’s Cotton Works – the regeneration of a former mill complex into a new residential community – is an example of how the council has worked to encourage private sector investment in the town, Thatcher said.  

He plans to take a short break before embarking on a new challenge, either in the public or private sector.  

“I like the excitement and the buzz of something new, a new challenge, and something exciting to get my teeth into,” said.  

“I’ve really enjoyed the time at Wigan and in particular the progress we made to get development moving, and I’d really like to bring that experience into a new role.” 

A Wigan Council spokesperson said: “During his time at Wigan Council, Aidan has made a valued contribution to the organisation and to the borough. He has provided leadership across a wide range of services and programmes and has worked with colleagues, partners and communities to support the council’s priorities.

“We thank Aidan for his commitment and service and wish him every success for the future.”