Leigh residents invited to pitch for £20m regeneration fund

The Leigh Neighbourhood Board has launched a formal call for community-led proposals to decide how millions of pounds in regeneration funding will be spent across the town. This initiative is part of the ten-year Pride in Place programme, a £20 million project designed to improve safety, health, and economic vibrancy in local neighbourhoods.

Following formal approval of the board’s outline plans by Wigan Council and the UK government, the focus has shifted to identifying specific projects that will receive investment. The board, which operates independently, is seeking ideas from residents, business owners, and local organisations to ensure the capital is directed toward initiatives with the highest local impact.

Allocation of the first £7 million investment phase

The funding rollout is structured into distinct periods, with approximately £7 million set to be released during the first phase between April 2026 and March 2030. To manage the diverse range of potential projects, the board has established two separate entry points for applicants.

The Leigh Fund is designed for medium to large-scale projects. This stream targets proposals from businesses, public sector bodies, and charities that can demonstrate a significant transformation in how people experience the town centre. The primary objectives for this fund include enhancing public safety and creating a more welcoming environment for visitors and shoppers.

For smaller, grassroots initiatives, The Community Fund has been created specifically for the voluntary sector. This fund focuses on activities that build social cohesion and local pride. By splitting the investment this way, the Leigh Neighbourhood Board aims to balance major infrastructure improvements with smaller projects that directly support community connections.

Strategic alignment with the Pride in Place programme

Alex Grundy, a local business owner and chair of the board, emphasized that the investment must result in visible, long-term changes for the town. The current strategy is informed by a public consultation held last year, which gathered over 1,500 responses from the community. These insights helped define the board’s core mission: empowering residents to take control of their town’s development.

This £20 million Pride in Place programme operates alongside other existing investments in the area. It is separate from the £11.4 million Leigh Regeneration Fund, which is already dedicated to specific municipal works. Those funds are currently earmarked for the refurbishment of Leigh Market, improvements to high street shop fronts, and a major revamp of Civic Square.

Councillor Keith Cunliffe, representing Leigh Central and Higher Folds, noted that the board’s approach relies on the identity and priorities of local people. All project applications submitted during this window must align with the broader objectives of the established Regeneration Plan to ensure a cohesive strategy for the town’s future.

Support sessions and project submission deadlines

To assist potential applicants in navigating the process, the board is providing multiple opportunities for guidance. A series of webinars and in-person drop-in sessions have been scheduled throughout May and early June to explain the application requirements and project criteria.

Webinars are scheduled for Monday, May 11, at 12:00 PM and Tuesday, May 19, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. For those preferring face-to-face discussion, drop-in sessions will be held at Leigh Library on the following dates:

• Friday, May 15: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Thursday, May 21: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Friday, May 29: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
• Friday, June 5: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

All formal proposals must be submitted using the Leigh Pride in Place Projects online form. The deadline for all applications is 5:00 PM on Friday, June 12, 2026. The board has indicated that they are also looking to leverage this initial investment to secure additional funding for the high street in the coming years.

Source: Wigan Council

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Source check Local Government Source

This report is based on official project documentation and funding announcements from the Leigh Neighbourhood Board and Wigan Council.

Checks

• Confirmed funding totals of £20m for Pride in Place and £11.4m for the Regeneration Fund.
• Verified application deadlines and public session dates at Leigh Library.
• Cross-referenced board chair identity and councillor ward details.

Wigan Council Check Leigh regeneration updates

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Wigan Council

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Leigh

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2026-05-18 13:41

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Alex GrundyKeith Cunliffe

#Alex Grundy#Community Funding#Leigh#local investment#Pride in Place#town regeneration#Wigan Council

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