Leigh Sports Village could benefit from a huge funding boost to build a new community hub as the site looks to "build a legacy" for the town.
Part of a £5m Believe in Leigh Fund could be used on the site to create a new hub for local people, giving young people a space to socialise, as well as offering activities to improve the health, employability, and life skills of locals.
If approved, young people from the local area will be asked to help design and create the final plans, which will include an elite training zone for athletes using the stadium.
Cllr Keith Cunliffe, Deputy Leader of Wigan Council, said: “Leigh Sports Village is a fantastic facility, and this new addition will really help to expand the opportunities available to residents while giving young people the best start in life.
“Conversations with our partners are progressing well, and I’m determined that these plans will get the backing they need to become a reality in the very near future.”
Cllr Kevin Anderson, who represents Leigh South, has given the idea his full support, and vowed to vote in favour of the scheme when it’s put to council cabinet.
The plans have been sparked by the Believe in Leigh consultation, which saw younger people say they wanted somewhere safe to go on evenings and weekends.
Many people said they felt most safe at the sports village, prompting officials to consider the site for the new hub.
Simon Toon, chief executive of the facility, said: “We’re proud that LSV is at heart of our community and these facilities will cater for young people, those looking to develop new skills and also offer more options for Leigh Centurions and the Manchester United women’s side, who are already based here.
“The next two years are massive with us hosting the Rugby League World Cup this autumn and the UEFA Women’s Championship next summer.
“These two major tournaments, the return of Super League rugby and improvements recently announced at Pennington Flash Nature Reserve will help us build a legacy for years to come.”
