Leigh residents invited to pitch projects for £20m town fund
Residents and business owners in Leigh are being handed the keys to a £20m regeneration pot as the Leigh Neighbourhood Board opens applications for community-led projects. The Pride in Place programme, a ten-year initiative, has received formal approval from both Wigan Council and the UK government, clearing the way for local people to decide how the first phase of investment will be spent.
Following a public consultation that drew more than 1,500 responses last year, the board is now moving from planning to action. The funding is designed to create a safer, healthier, and more vibrant town where local communities can thrive. Alex Grundy, a local business owner and chair of the board, confirmed that the priority is ensuring the money is spent wisely to make a tangible difference to the daily lives of Leythers.
Dual funding streams for community transformation
To manage the investment effectively, two distinct funds have been launched to capture a wide range of ideas. The Leigh Fund is aimed at medium to large-scale projects. This stream invites proposals from residents, businesses, and public sector organisations for deliverable schemes that will transform the visual identity of the town and improve the overall visitor experience. The focus for this fund remains on creating a safe and welcoming environment that encourages footfall and pride.
In tandem, the Community Fund targets smaller, grassroots activities. This portion of the budget is reserved for Leigh’s voluntary and community sector, focusing on projects that build social cohesion and strengthen local connections. Approximately £7m is scheduled for release during the first investment window, which runs from April 2026 through to March 2030.
Local leadership and community-led vision
The Leigh Neighbourhood Board consists of individuals with deep personal and professional ties to the town. This independent structure is intended to ensure that regeneration is not a top-down process but one driven by those who understand the area’s specific challenges and opportunities. Alex Grundy emphasised that while the board has set the long-term objectives, the specific projects must come from the community itself.
Councillor Keith Cunliffe, representing Leigh Central and Higher Folds, noted that the board serves as a model for community collaboration. The goal is to formulate a pipeline of projects that reflect the unique identity of Leigh while addressing modern requirements for a thriving high street and safer public spaces.
Distinguishing the Pride in Place programme
This £20m investment is separate from the existing £11.4m Leigh Regeneration Fund. While the Pride in Place programme focuses on broader community-led initiatives and long-term neighbourhood health, the £11.4m fund is already earmarked for specific infrastructure upgrades. These include the refurbishment of Leigh Market, improvements to high street shop fronts, and a major revamp of Civic Square.
By running these funds in parallel, the town expects to see a comprehensive transformation that combines major physical infrastructure repairs with social and economic projects proposed by the people who live and work in the town centre.
Project submission deadlines and support sessions
The board has established a strict timeline for the first round of applications. All project proposals must be submitted via the Leigh Pride in Place Projects online form by 5pm on Friday, 12th June 2026. To be eligible, applications must demonstrate how they support the core objectives of the wider Regeneration Plan, specifically regarding safety, health, and economic vibrancy.
For those requiring assistance with the application process, a series of support events have been scheduled throughout May and June:
- Online Webinars: Monday, 11th May at 12pm and Tuesday, 19th May from 5pm to 6pm.
- Leigh Library Drop-ins: Friday, 15th May (10am-12pm), Thursday, 21st May (11am-1pm), Friday, 29th May (11am-1pm), and Friday, 5th June (11am-1pm).
Registration for the webinars is required through the council’s project portal. The board is also actively looking to secure additional external funding to supplement the initial £20m allocation as the ten-year project progresses.
Source: Wigan Council
