Operator pulls out of Wigan’s New Market Hall by ‘mutual agreement’ with Wigan Council
Northern Lights Group (NLG), the company previously set to operate Wigan’s new market hall, has stepped away from the project by mutual agreement with Wigan Council.
The group had been linked to the Fettlers development for several years, with plans for it to manage the day-to-day running of the new market as part of the wider town centre regeneration scheme.
Wigan Council has now confirmed that the partnership will not continue and has given me a statement on the decision. Here are the key points:
- “NLG and the Council have mutually agreed that NLG will no longer be the operator for the site.”
- The Council says it “remain[s] committed to delivering a first-class market” for the town centre.
- Construction is continuing, with visible progress already made on the new market building.
- Discussions will now take place with “traders and key stakeholders… about the next steps.”
Northern Lights Group also described the project as “a privilege” to be part of and said it looks forward to seeing the market thrive in the future.
Northern Lights Group’s involvement had formed part of the long-term vision for the new ‘Fettlers’ scheme, which aims to create a modern market combining food, drink, retail and social space in the town centre.
Wigan Council says it will now engage with traders and stakeholders to help shape the next phase of the project, including future operating arrangements.
I will also be speaking with traders in the market to find out what they think about this latest development, with some already indicating they feel they have been left with limited information in recent months.
FULL statement from Wigan Council and Northern Lights Group:
Aidan Thatcher, Director of Place at Wigan Council, said:
“Wigan Council, Cityheart and Northern Lights Group (NLG) have been working in partnership to bring the future market hall at Fettlers to life.
“This has been a productive partnership over the last few years, ensuring that this flagship element of the Fettlers development will deliver an exciting, vibrant venue for our town centre.
“Wigan has been a proud market town for centuries and with the impressive facade of the new entrance now in place and construction work continuing, visitors and residents can see the latest iteration of our market becoming a reality.
“NLG and the Council have mutually agreed that NLG will no longer be the operator for the site. The Council remain committed to delivering a first-class market, acting as a place for people to meet, eat, greet and trade.
“Most importantly, we will be speaking with traders and key stakeholders in the coming weeks about the next steps and remain extremely excited with the opportunities that the new market will bring.”
Steve Pilling, from Northern Lights Group, added:
“It has been a privilege to work alongside Wigan Council on the development of Wigan’s fantastic new market hall.
“As we now move onto our next chapter, we do so with great pride in what has been achieved. This is set to be a best-in-class destination, and we look forward to returning in the future to see it thriving.”
Note from me:
I really want to see it thriving too.. some of the traders in Wigan market have been there for generations, so I can’t wait to see them in their new home.
