Nearly 50 years after it first opened, Platt Bridge Community Centre is thriving once again, thanks entirely to the local people who stepped in when its future was uncertain.
The centre first opened on 9 November 1979 and was originally run by Wigan Council. Over the years, it became underused and, by the time the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020, it was losing money and at risk of closure. Rather than see it disappear, the community took action.
Ownership was transferred to a volunteer-run charitable trust, Platt Bridge Community Centre (Wigan) Ltd, with a peppercorn rent. Volunteers took on responsibility for running costs, upkeep, and maintenance. Any funds raised are reinvested directly into the centre, ensuring it remains a vibrant hub for the community.
Today, around a dozen dedicated volunteers run the centre with support from Abram and Platt Bridge councillors. Activities focus on social connection and preventing isolation, offering a welcoming space for people to meet, enjoy a brew, and chat.
Community parties at Christmas, Easter and Halloween regularly attract 70–80 residents, with music, dancing, bingo, raffles and hot food bringing everyone together. The centre hosts line dancing, strength and balance sessions, tai chi, arts and crafts, woodworking classes, baby and toddler groups, table tennis, and a relaxed ‘bat and chat’.
The recently formed Platt Bridge Community Choir has quickly become a favourite, creating joy through music for all ages.
The centre also partners with Belong Village care home for weekly Warm Space sessions and evening bingo exchanges, while a Bereavement Hub provides professional counselling support. Council officers and health advisors regularly visit to provide guidance, and all volunteers are DBS checked to ensure a safe environment.
A key priority for the trustees is the roof, which is essential to protect the building and reduce energy costs. Repairs and insulation upgrades are underway, and fundraising efforts, including crowdfunding, are helping secure its long-term future, with plans to add solar panels for sustainability.
In 2025, the centre’s impact was recognised when it won BBC Radio Manchester’s Make a Difference Award in the Community Group category, a real testament to the hard work of its volunteers.
Platt Bridge Community Centre is more than a building. It’s where friendships form, support is found, and the community comes together.
Whether you attend a session, volunteer your skills, or simply pop in for a brew, you’ll always find a warm welcome under a roof that the community is determined to protect for generations to come.
For more information about supporting the centre or the upcoming crowdfunding campaign, visit Wigan Council Crowdfunding.
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