Leigh residents and business owners are being invited to submit direct proposals for how a £20m regeneration fund should be spent to transform the town over the next decade. The Pride in Place programme, which has received formal government approval, aims to shift decision-making power into the hands of the local community to create safer and more vibrant neighborhoods.
The Leigh Neighbourhood Board is now seeking specific project ideas that align with long-term objectives established during a public consultation last year. Following more than 1,500 responses from the community, the board has structured the investment into two distinct categories to ensure both large-scale transformations and grassroots initiatives receive support.
Two distinct funding streams for local projects
To manage the £20m allocation effectively, the board has launched two separate funds. The Leigh Fund is designed for medium to large-scale projects. This stream invites proposals from local businesses, public sector organisations, and charities for impactful developments that will fundamentally change how people experience the town centre and surrounding areas. The focus for this fund is on creating a safe, welcoming environment that encourages footfall and economic growth.
In contrast, The Community Fund is tailored for smaller, community-led activities. This stream is specifically for Leigh’s voluntary sector, focusing on projects that build social cohesion and local pride. Whether it is a neighborhood beautification project or a local connection initiative, this fund aims to empower residents to take direct control of their immediate surroundings.
First £7m investment window opens for applications
Around £7m is scheduled for release during the initial investment period, which runs from April 2026 through to March 2030. The board is looking for a pipeline of projects that are not only ambitious but also deliverable within this timeframe. Alex Grundy, a local business owner and chair of the Leigh Neighbourhood Board, emphasized the importance of community wisdom in this process.
“The board is already made up of people who all have a connection to our town, but we want to listen to the community as much as possible,” Grundy stated. He noted that while the government has approved the outline plans, the actual success of the investment depends on spending the money on projects that make a tangible difference to daily life in Leigh.
Distinguishing the Pride in Place programme from existing schemes
This £20m Pride in Place funding is separate from the existing £11.4m Leigh Regeneration Fund. While the Pride in Place money is open for community proposals, the £11.4m fund is already earmarked for specific infrastructure revamps. These include the refurbishment of Leigh Market, improvements to high street shop fronts, and a significant makeover for Civic Square.
Councillor Keith Cunliffe, ward member for Leigh Central and Higher Folds, noted that the Neighbourhood Board serves as a bridge between official policy and local identity. By listening to further feedback, the board intends to formulate a string of projects that reflects the specific priorities of Leythers rather than a top-down administrative approach.
Public webinars and library drop-in sessions
Residents and organisations interested in applying for funding can access guidance notes and application forms through the Leigh Pride in Place Projects online portal. To assist with the proposal process, a series of information sessions has been scheduled throughout May and June.
Two webinars will be held on Monday, 11th May at 12pm and Tuesday, 19th May from 5pm to 6pm. For those who prefer face-to-face discussion, drop-in sessions will be hosted at Leigh Library on the following dates:
- Friday, 15th May: 10am – 12pm
- Thursday, 21st May: 11am – 1pm
- Friday, 29th May: 11am – 1pm
- Friday, 5th June: 11am – 1pm
All project applications must be submitted by the 5pm deadline on Friday, 12th June 2026. Proposals must demonstrate how they support the broader objectives of the Leigh Regeneration Plan, specifically regarding safety, health, and community empowerment.
Source: Wigan Council
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