An opportunity for change? A chance to re-model and take a bold step forward for the future?

Let's look at Wigan Town Centre, let's look at how is has changed over the last two decades.

I have often tweeted my support for a mix of preservation and new development and the town certainly has had that over the past few years.

The old fronts of the historic buildings mixing nicely with the metal and glass of the new builds, I think it works. So why are people unhappy, why are people not coming to the town?

It has become quite apparent in my opinion, that small towns like Wigan, don't want or need to be mini versions of their larger counterparts in Manchester or Liverpool - there is no need for these grand shopping malls in small towns- people don't seem to want them or want to visit them. That is the first issue, these developments have cost millions to put together, so getting rid of them will be very hard, but not impossible.

The people of Wigan will always have their say - social media scans will unearth lots of community passion on the subject, everyday wiganers worried about their town Centre and what is happening to it.

So what do I think?

Well my thoughts are that the key to a successful town and community lies around a focus on a central square or area, the creation and support for a central market offering local traders the chance to sell their goods and all of this has to be low level wherever possible. The sense of space is important.

The current Market Square is too small and too irrelevant, other than being a convenient meeting place for undesirables, all of which turn off the local community.

The existing market facilities are horrendous, the whole galleries structure needs taking down and removing - open up that part of town again, open up the space - plant trees, establish an outdoor market and watch the people thrive.

The local authority like to tell us constantly about "The Deal" and how they now work with the people to achieve the better outcomes in the long term. We need to see this in action now more than ever, as the town centre changes.

The purchase of the Galleries should now offer that chance for us all to get involved - Wigan needs a bright and visionary redevelopment, otherwise, well I don't really want to consider the alternatives.

We have so many wonderful buildings, so much history and heritage and all that needs keeping and preserving - the red bricks of Library Street being a fine example of this - it's part of the town centre. but unless we take action now I fear for what may lie ahead.

Town centres across the country are changing, some are dying others are thriving - the current state of Wigan's town centre means it isn't working and it's time to try and plan to make that change.

Will the authorities take the right action for Wigan? - I guess only time will tell - I wish them well with the redevelopment but I also hope there is a brave soul amongst them who isn't afraid to upset the local government applecart.