We’re delighted to announce a major milestone for Wigan’s flagship Fettlers development, a scheme that MM Management has been involved in from the beginning, as leading hospitality operator Northern Lights Group (NLG) is confirmed as the operator of the new market at Fettlers.
NLG – the team behind some of the North West’s most exciting and renowned restaurants, bars and entertainment venues – will manage and curate the offer within the new market hall, bringing a best-in-class experience to the heart of Wigan town centre.
The announcement comes as Wigan Council releases the first visuals of the new market hall: a bright, colourful and contemporary space featuring a blend of traditional market traders, a bakery, coffee shop, bars and a vibrant food hall.
Councillor David Molyneux MBE, Leader of Wigan Council, said: “This redevelopment is bringing the market back to the heart of the town centre, and I am delighted to be announcing this new operator during the nationwide Love Your Local Market campaign.
“Wigan has been a proud market town for centuries and we want to see our market survive and thrive into the future. It will play a vital role in bringing people into town, supporting local business and building community when it opens late next year.
“There is so much happening across our town – the redevelopment of Civic, Cotton Works at Eckersley Mill, STACK at the former Debenhams – making Wigan the place to be, live, work and visit.”**
Chris Hextall, who is leading the scheme for MM Management, said: “This is a pivotal step forward for Fettlers and for Wigan. The appointment of NLG is fantastic news, and we look forward to working closely with the team as the new market takes shape.”
Carl Fraenkl-Rietti, Managing Director of NLG, added:
“This will be one of the North’s best and most creative markets and food halls, putting Wigan proudly on the map not only for its food but for its incredible people for generations to come. Its location is superb, and we look forward to delivering a standout experience for traders, visitors and locals — a market they can be truly proud of.”
About Fettlers
Fettlers is the new name for the former Wigan Galleries site, now being transformed by Cityheart on behalf of Wigan Council into a major new town centre destination. It is one of Greater Manchester’s most ambitious regeneration schemes, delivering:
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New homes
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A 144-bed Hampton by Hilton hotel
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Retail and leisure facilities
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A modern new market hall with bars and a food hall
Following a Development Agreement signed in June 2021, demolition began in 2022 and completed in early 2024. Galliford Try has been appointed to deliver phase one of construction, including a 70,000 sq ft market hall and food court, basement, and associated infrastructure.
Later phases will deliver the hotel, pavilion, cinema and leisure building, followed by more than 400 new homes across several residential buildings.
Once complete, Fettlers will include a multi-media leisure centre featuring cinemas, multi-lane bowling, indoor mini-golf, a climbing wall, virtual leisure, bars and restaurants, and new landscaped public realm including an events square.
For more information visit fettlers.co.uk
