Coffee shops and a roof garden - the iconic Greater Manchester building undergoing major transformation

The transformation of an iconic building in Wigan town centre has been given the go-ahead. The vacant Civic Centre on Millgate, once home to council offices, is set for an overhaul.

Capital & Centric has been given outline planning permission to transform the 1970s building. Plans include 'incubator spaces' for start-ups, co-working and small businesses; coffee shops; outdoor 'hangout' areas; and a roof garden.

Work will start in the coming weeks. A more detailed planning application for the site will follow.

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John Moffat, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said: “We’re finalising detailed plans for the site, but we’re already getting going on prepping the building for an incredible next chapter. We’ll be super careful to preserve all the beautiful concrete finishes, which provide so much character, as we preserve and restore this local icon.

“The Civic Centre has been part of Wigan life for decades. We want it to become a magnet for start-ups and growing creative businesses that want a standout space with real character right in the centre of town.”

Coun David Molyneux MBE, leader of Wigan Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see work begin on the redevelopment of the Civic Centre and I’m looking forward to watching the transformation as it progresses. Capital&Centric’s vision for the building is exciting and will see the iconic building restored and transformed into an attractive and modern workplace of choice.

“There’s lots of exciting projects taking place in Wigan town centre at the moment as