Council bosses are yet to enter into formal talks about the future of a Wigan shopping centre, more than a year after they bought it for £8m.
A lead officer has this week repeated the authority’s aim to bring fresh retail and leisure facilities to The Galleries.
But discussions with potential providers have so far not progressed into serious negotiations, the town hall has said.
The local authority stepped in to purchase the ailing shopping complex last year and bosses have since defended the move amid criticism they had ‘put the cart before the horses’.
Speaking at an Invest in Wigan business event this week, director of economy Becca Heron said the council was ‘actively looking at’ the potential for a hotel and cinema in the town centre.
“There are great things coming for Wigan,” she added.
Although it is understood various options remain on the table to provide a mix of leisure and retail facilities, there are no ‘firmed up’ proposals yet for The Galleries, a spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
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The sprawling complex would be the town’s prime location for such a leisure offer with the currently vacant Tower Grand site next to the local authority’s Life Centre the subject of speculation about a hotel development.
The council’s recently published strategic framework for the town centre references potential for a cinema, bowling alley or indoor soft play centre at The Galleries.
A private sector led £60m masterplan to transform the shopping centre approved in 2014 – which included a cinema and restaurant complex – fell through after its ownership changed hands.
The site could also play a part in a long term council aspiration to form a partnership with a higher education or university provider to create a campus in the town centre.
An apparent lack of progress with The Galleries however comes as bosses have hailed a significant step in the regeneration of another key site close to the town centre.
The council has this week announced that The Old Courts – the town’s renowned arts venue – will work alongside property developer Step Places on plans to transform the historic Wigan Pier Quarter into a cultural hub.
Leader David Molyneux said the move will help Step Places realise its ‘extremely impressive’ vision.
The council unveiled its 10-year vision to regenerate Wigan Pier in 2014, with Step Places brought in to spearhead the project last year.
A planning application is expected to be submitted within the next few months.
Dave Jenkins, managing director of The Old Courts, said there are exciting times ahead for the town.
He added: “Wigan Pier is undoubtedly known virtually everywhere you go, so we’re excited to be involved in a project we think will add huge value to the town.
“In recent years, there has been a definite cultural surge in Wigan with the opening of various venues, bars and eateries and it feels like Wigan is now becoming a credible destination.”
Coun Molyneux said: “We have had long-held ambitions to create a new purpose for Wigan Pier as a destination and leisure attraction.
“Step Places’ vision for the Pier was from the outset extremely impressive and fulfilled everything that we hoped Wigan Pier would become.
“It is fantastic that they have agreed a partnership with The Old Courts, who have an extremely well respected and diverse cultural offering within the town centre. Their passion for creativity will be a welcome addition to this project and we look forward to watching this come to life.
“We will support Step Places and The Old Courts throughout the process and look forward to Wigan Pier becoming a popular destination for people in the borough and beyond once again.”
