Hampton by Hilton tops out at Fettlers as Wigan regeneration scheme takes shape

The 144-bedroom hotel is being delivered by Cityheart in partnership with Wigan Council, with Galliford Try leading construction works. The topping out marks a significant step forward for the hotel, which will anchor the new Fettlers neighbourhood and is on track to open in late autumn 2027.

The milestone comes as the project team unveils the hotel’s first completed model room, offering stakeholders, residents and visitors an early look at the guest experience ahead of opening.

Designed by JM Architects’ Manchester studio, the 5,800 sq m hotel occupies a prominent position overlooking Fettlers’ new public square and will bring a globally recognised hospitality brand into the heart of Wigan town centre. The hotel will feature contemporary guestrooms, a gym with views across the square, dining and meeting facilities and secure parking. The hotel will be owned by Wigan Council and operated by Leaf Hospitality under the Hampton by Hilton brand, one of Hilton’s largest most recognised brands known for its modern guestrooms, complimentary hot breakfast and reliable guest experience.

The hotel forms part of Fettlers, the transformation of the former Galleries site into a new mixed-use neighbourhood in the centre of Wigan. Led by Cityheart in partnership with Wigan Council, the development will deliver a new Market Hall, leisure, co-work and retail facilities.  The next major milestone for Fettlers will see the opening of the new Market Hall, which is scheduled to welcome its first visitors later this year and will be the first completed element of the wider development.

Darren Jones, Senior Development Director at Cityheart, said: “The topping out of Hampton by Hilton marks an important step in bringing Fettlers to life and helping to establish the town centre as a destination for business, leisure and investment.
“Alongside new homes, public spaces, and the Market Hall, the hotel demonstrates the scale of transformation now taking shape across the site. Seeing the building reach its full height gives a real sense of the neighbourhood that is beginning to
emerge.”

Councillor Dane Anderton, portfolio holder for economic development and regeneration, said: “Reaching the topping-out stage is a significant milestone for the Hampton by Hilton hotel and the wider Fettlers development in Wigan town centre.  “It’s fantastic to see this landmark building taking shape and another key part of our vision for the town centre becoming a reality. The hotel will bring new jobs, attract visitors and investment, and help create a vibrant destination that residents can be proud of as the transformation of the town centre continues.”

Paul Blackmore, Vice President, Development, UK & Ireland, Hilton, said: “The hotel reflects the strength of our partnerships with Wigan Council, Cityheart and Leaf Hospitality and reaching this milestone is an exciting moment for everyone involved in bringing Hampton by Hilton to Wigan.  We now look forward to the opening of the hotel next year, which will not only help attract visitors to the town but support the long-term regeneration of the Fettlers neighbourhood.”

Richard Farrar, Managing Director of leaf HOSPITALITY: “The progress on site over the past few months has been impressive and reflects the work of everyone involved. It’s exciting to see the hotel taking shape, and in the new year our focus will turn to building the team and recruiting locally ahead of opening later in 2027.”