A BOARD launched to implement a ten-year strategy for the regeneration of Leigh town centre has named the Spinning Gate's manager as its chair.
Despite an initial rejection from the government, Wigan Council was awarded £12m in Levelling Up funding for the regeneration of Leigh town centre last year.
The government will also deliver an additional £20m into Leigh over the next ten years, and a 'Leigh Town' board has been set up to implement a strategy on how to spend this funding.
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While the Levelling Up funding will invest in refurbishing Leigh Market, improving Civic Square, and revamping shop fronts, the Leigh Town Board will oversee the spend of the Long-Term Towns Fund.
Membership of the Board includes local Councillors, James Grundy MP, Greater Manchester Police, Wigan and Leigh College and representatives of local businesses and community sector.
The chair of the board has now been named as Spinning Gate shopping centre manager Karen Cox, with the Board committing to being transparent and accountable, and to spend the funds for the priorities of local people.
Karen Cox, Centre Manager of Spinning Gate Shopping Centre and Chair of Leigh Town Board, said: “I am honoured to have been invited to become Chair for this Board.
"Our role as a Board will be to work with the Council and local partners to develop a 10-year vision for our town and a three-year investment plan.
“I am a passionate advocate for Leigh - we all know there are some amazing people, businesses and organisations in our town, and I am really excited to bring representatives from lots of different sectors together to make sure we deliver the best for our town’s future.”
Councillor Yvonne Klieve, lead member for district centres and night time economy, added: “As Board member[s], we are looking forward to working closely with partners across Leigh to develop these plans and bring them to life.
“These are some really exciting times for Leigh - by bringing together community leaders, employers, the council, and the local MP, this Town Board will help pave the way for Leigh’s long-term future as a safe, vibrant and thriving town centre.”
More information about the plans for Leigh can be found here, where residents can register interest in the vision and investment plans
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