Government Minister Lisa Nandy has opened Capital&Centric’s bold restoration of Wigan’s ‘Civic’ Project

Wigan is set for a major moment as social impact developer Capital&Centric officially unveiled their radical restoration of the town’s former Civic Centre.

The iconic building, long a fixture in Wigan’s skyline, has been re-imagined from its derelict state to a mix of cutting-edge workspace, creative studios and social spaces that will once again put the Civic at the heart of the community.

The launch event was headlined by Government Minister and Wigan MP Lisa Nandy, who cut the ribbon and opened Civic’s doors to the people of Wigan for the first time in decades.

What was once a closed-off and lifeless block will now buzz with activity. Inside, Civic has been designed to bring together independent businesses, freelancers and community groups, with a café-bar, gym, rooftop terrace and even a mini cinema. Outside, a new public square will open the building up to the town in a way it never has before.

Tim Heatley, co-founder of Capital&Centric, said: “This is what regeneration should look like. Creating places where people actually want to be. Civic has always had a special place in Wigan’s story, but it needed a new chapter. We are bringing workspace, food and culture together under one roof, because building communities should be fun and surprising. Wigan deserves something bold, and that is exactly what this is.

We are delighted that the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, is opening the Civic for us. The building has been designed as a perfect home for digital, tech and creative businesses, which are such a key focus for Lisa and her department. Having her here to mark this moment shows just how important Wigan can be in the future growth of these sectors.”

Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, said: “The transformation of the Civic Centre is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when ambition meets investment. Wigan has so much talent and energy, and projects like this provide the platform for people to thrive. It is fantastic to see this building on the brink of a new chapter, and I am proud to be part of the official launch.”

Councillor David Molyneux MBE, Leader of Wigan Council, said: “I’m delighted to see Civic officially open its doors here in the heart of Wigan town centre. The response from residents and visitors to both the workspace and café in the last few weeks has been fantastic.

“The transformation of what was once a derelict building into a vibrant and welcoming space is a significant milestone in the ongoing regeneration of our town centre. This launch event marks real progress, not just for Civic, but for Wigan as a whole.

“With major investment and regeneration happening across the borough, Wigan is firmly on the path to becoming a great place to live, work, shop, and visit. Civic is a key part of that journey, creating new opportunities and breathing new life into the heart of our town.”

Civic is the latest in Capital&Centric’s growing portfolio of Northern regeneration projects, following acclaimed schemes in Manchester.

Civic has officially opened with workspace available for businesses of all sizes and a programme of community events lined up for the coming months. Those interesting in nabbing a space at Civic can find out more at www.capitalandcentric.com/civic