Hilton Inks Franchise Deal for Wigan Galleries Hotel
Wigan Council, in partnership with Cityheart, has sealed a deal with Hilton for a Hampton by Hilton branded 144-room, 5,800 m2 hotel, as part of the £135 million makeover of the former Galleries Shopping Centre.
Designed by JM Architects, the Hampton by Hilton hotel will be a six-storey building situated off Market Street in Wigan’s town centre. The hotel will be managed and run by Leaf Hospitality.
The hotel will feature a gym on the first floor overlooking a new square, with the main reception and dining area on the ground floor. Each level will have accessible rooms and secure parking for guests. Leaf Hospitality plans to hire over 60 staff for the new hotel, offering job opportunities for locals.
The hotel is a key part of the Galleries redevelopment plan, aiming to bring more visitors to the town centre in the evenings and weekends. It will be located opposite the bus station entrance on New Market Street and within 500 yards of both town centre train stations.
This announcement follows the completion of demolition work in February and the selection of main contractor Galliford Try for phase one last week.
Councillor David Molyneux MBE, Leader of Wigan Council, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Hilton to this multimillion pound project, following the appointment of Galliford Try for the first phase of construction. The arrival of Hilton in Wigan shows the confidence investors have in our town centre redevelopment.”
Graham Dodd, Managing Director Development, Hilton UK & Ireland, added: “Our partnership with Wigan Council is a new and exciting chapter for Hilton in the North West. We look forward to showcasing Wigan’s potential to our global network through Hampton by Hilton.”
Warren Taylor, Chief Operating Officer of Cityheart, said: “The addition of a high-quality hotel like Hampton by Hilton is crucial for the revitalisation of Wigan town centre. We are delighted to have secured such a well-respected brand for our vibrant town centre offering.”
Construction is underway for phase one, including the Hampton by Hilton hotel, a new market hall, and food court. This will be followed by the Pavilion building, MMC, and the construction of 464 homes and a retirement living complex.
