Name of new Greater Manchester shopping centre revealed (2025)

The name is a nod to Wigan's local dialect

Wigan's new shopping complex - which will replace the retail centre once known at The Galleries - has been named.

Town hall bosses have announced it will be called Fettlers Wigan. In ‘Wiganese’ fettling means to make, fix or mend.

Someone can also be described as being ‘in fine fettler’.

Revealing the name at a special launch yesterday afternoon (Wednesday April 2), Council leader David Molyneux said: “A fettler was someone who worked with metal and poetry, industries with a strong history in our area.

“We have worked really closely with our local community to find a name that really meant something to the people of Wigan.

“We heard from them the name had to speak to our values. We are authentic, inclusive and proud people.

“This name and brand celebrates our history, our values and looks towards our bright future of crafting, grafting, dreaming, fettlin’ and making things happen.”

Fettlers Wigan is slowly taking shape with 464 town centre homes set to be part of the development.

There will be a bowling alley, a cinema including an innovative climbing wall as well as 'real entertainment space', a 'signature bar' and a central co-working facility all aimed at bringing people back into the town centre.

Wigan council has worked closely with local makers and crafters to celebrate our borough’s modern day makers - from Uncle Joes and Wigan Warriors, to Jess of Oh So Specials; a mural artist who has celebrated Wiganese at Wigan North Western.

Antony Winnard and John Winnard, owners of Uncle Joe’s Mint Balls, in a joint statement said: “It is very fitting that the Galleries is being re-named in recognition of the skills of our local people.

“Since 1898 local ‘fettlers’ have helped us continue and grow our Uncle Joe’s brand Internationally. ‘Made in Wigan, sold to the world....’”

Town centre regeneration specialist Cityheart is the Council’s development partner for the scheme.

Development director Darren Jones said: “We are delighted with the Fettlers brand. It not only tells of the history of the town but of the creative and hard-working people that make Wigan so unique. We are looking forward to delivering the new market hall with our construction partners Galliford Try and seeing Fettlers start to emerge.”

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