The announcement comes as Wigan Council published a sneak peek of the new market hall with images showing a bright, colourful and exciting space, with traditional market traders, alongside offerings like a bakery, coffee shop, bars, and a food hall.

Councillor David Molyneux MBE, Leader of Wigan Council, said: “This redevelopment is bringing the market back to the heart of the town centre, and I am delighted that we are announcing this new operator during the nationwide Love Your Local Market campaign.

“Wigan has been a proud market town for centuries and we want to see our market survive, thrive into the future. It is set to be a vital part what brings people into town, supporting local, and being part of our community when it opens late next year.

“There is so much happening across our town- the redevelopment of Civic, Cotton Works at Eckersley Mill, STACK at the former Debenhams- making Wigan is the place to be, live, work and visit.”

Commenting, Managing Director of NLG Carl Fraenkl-Rietti said: “This will be one the North’s best, and most creative, markets and food halls, putting Wigan proudly on the map not only for its food but for its incredible people for generations to come. It is in a superb location, and we look forward to delivering the very best experience for traders, visitors and locals who deserve a best-in-class market of which they can be proud.”

Jackie Casey from markets specialist PlaceCo – sister company of NLG – has been supporting traders since demolition began. She said: “Having a strong and successful market is an essential part of Wigan’s tradition and history. It is the beating heart and soul of the town, a place for people to meet and make things, a tradition which goes back centuries, and we’re excited to see the first images unveiled.  Wigan deserves a market that is fit for purpose, an iconic market of which the town can be proud, and which will be key to Wigan’s future prosperity for many generations.”

The new market hall is expected to be built and open late next year, and the existing market hall will remain open until the new building is ready for occupation.

About Cityheart

Cityheart transforms places, delivering bold, sustainable regeneration projects that empower communities and create lasting value. Partnering with the public sector across the UK we transform urban spaces into thriving places for future generations to enjoy.

Though we’re a development company at heart, we push boundaries by blending creative thinking with strategic expertise, offering tailored solutions for the unique challenges of both public and private sector projects.

Collaboration and excellence are at the core of our approach. We work closely with our partners to understand their goals and deliver sustainable, cost-effective solutions that maximise value. As an independent company, we have the freedom to innovate, especially in design and funding, ensuring we explore all possibilities to get the best results.

Alongside regeneration of places we also deliver specialist projects in healthcare, justice, extra care, education, and student living, creating spaces that empower and nurture people.

The business has over £750m GDV of regeneration projects across the UK that will see it deliver more than 1700 new homes, 500 affordable homes, 200,000 sqm of commercial and leisure space and two international branded hotels. £250m GDV of this pipeline is fully funded and we are on site delivering projects across the country including Stopford Park in Stockport, Fettlers in Wigan, Foundry Lane in Widnes, Prescot Shopping Centre and Four Waterside and Marefare in Northampton.

Cityheart is now proudly celebrating its 20^th anniversary in 2025.

For more information visit www.cityheart.co.uk

About Fettlers

Fettlers is the new name for the former Wigan Galleries site which Cityheart is transforming for Wigan Council into a new town centre destination. It is one of Greater Manchester’s most ambitious regeneration projects, delivering new homes, a 144-bedroom Hampton by Hilton hotel, leisure and retail facilities as well as a modern New Market Hall incorporating bars and food hall.

In June 2021 Wigan Council signed a Development Agreement with town centre regeneration specialist Cityheart and work started in 2022 on the demolition phase which was completed in early 2024. Galliford Try has since been appointed to undertake the first phase of construction which will include the new 70,000 sq ft market hall and food court, basement and associated infrastructure.

This will be followed by the delivery of the Hotel, pavilion building and the cinema and leisure space followed by more than 400 homes across several new residential buildings.

When complete Fettlers will be home to a multi-media centre incorporating cinemas, multi-lane bowling alley, indoor mini golf, a climbing wall, virtual leisure, bars and restaurant and new landscaped areas of public realm including a square for events and performances.

For more information visit www.fettlers.co.uk