Preferred bidder in negotiations with the council and Greenbank

A plan for one of Wigan’s largest development sites is out for public consultation over the next six weeks.

Westwood Park, around a kilometre south of the town centre has been described as ‘pivotal in shaping the town’s future’.

The borough’s draft local plan states the 58-acre brownfield site as being suitable for around 420 new homes and modern employment space.

The huge plot is previously developed as it was home to the Westwood power station, which closed in 1986.

The site is bounded by the west coast mainline railway to the east, the A49 Westwood Way with the alignment of the proposed Wigan-Hindley link road and Westwood Lane to the south. Westwood Flash is to the west with the Leeds-Liverpool canal and existing employment development to the north.

It is one of six development sites earmarked homes and industrial development in the draft plan.

The majority of the site is cleared, with the exception of three buildings, of which one is Grade II listed, a substation and surface car parking near office buildings.

A further Grade II listed building, Westwood Hall, was destroyed by fire in 2022, with what remained subsequently demolished.

Wigan’s council’s local plan states there are some existing public rights of way within the site boundary. It said the aim is to upgrade and improve these.

The description of Westwood Park in the plan said: “The council has invested in new road infrastructure through the site with the A49 Westwood Way, which opened to the public in June 2020, providing direct access to the M6 via junction 25 to the south.

“This gives it both excellent strategic route access and a position as a new gateway to Wigan town centre.”

The majority of the site is owned by the council, with a small part owned by Greenbank Properties. The site was marketed in 2025 as a strategic development opportunity and a preferred bidder is in negotiations with the council and Greenbank to purchase the site.

The draft plan states: “The site allocation is for a housing -led mixed-use development comprising around 420 homes together with new employment space on around 3.5 hectares of land to the east.

“There is a requirement for the development to deliver high quality green infrastructure and to take advantage of its proximity to Westwood Flash.

“Development will be required to integrate well with its setting and enhance accessibility and awareness of this key local asset.”

In 2025, Aidan Thatcher, director of place at Wigan Council, described the strategic importance of the site.

He said: “The 58-acre site is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping Wigan’s future.

“With its prime location, balanced mix of development potential, and commitment to preserving natural beauty, Westwood Park is more than just a development site – it’s a cornerstone for Wigan’s next chapter.”

Notices have been posted around the site publicising the latest public consultation.

Those wishing to respond have until Wednesday, October 21 to do so.