Wigan is set to welcome a new hospitality anchor as Hampton by Hilton breaks ground on a 144-bedroom hotel that will become a centerpiece of the ambitious Fettlers regeneration project. The unveiling of new CGIs marks a major milestone — signaling not just a hotel build, but a statement of confidence in the town’s future.
Project Overview & Vision
- The new hotel spans six storeys and covers approximately 5,800 m², facing onto a new public square at the heart of the Fettlers development.
- Designs by JM Architects’ Manchester studio lean into the region’s cultural soul, with interiors inspired by Northern Soul — marrying modern comfort with local character.
- Operated by Leaf Hospitality and owned by Wigan Council, the hotel will feature a gym overlooking the square, dining and meeting facilities, secure parking, and the brand’s popular free hot breakfast (yes — the Hampton waffle is on the menu).
- Galliford Try is contracted as the construction partner, with work set to begin in October 2025 and an anticipated opening in winter 2027. The hotel is expected to create over 40 jobs once operational.
Strategic Importance for Fettlers & Wigan
The hotel isn’t a standalone venture — it’s woven into a broader vision for the Fettlers redevelopment, a transformation of the old Galleries site. The masterplan includes:
- The new Market Hall (whose steel frame is already rising above Market Place)
- Over 400 new homes
- Retail, leisure, food and bar spaces
- A reimagined urban heart that complements Wigan’s history and ambitions
By anchoring the square with a major hotel brand, the developers aim to increase footfall, support tourism, and strengthen Wigan’s presence as a destination, not just a stopover.
Voices Behind the Move
- Darren Jones, Development Director at Cityheart, articulated how the arrival of Hampton by Hilton propels the shared vision for a vibrant town centre.
- Paul Blackmore, Hilton’s Vice President of UK & Ireland Development, expressed enthusiasm about expanding the brand’s footprint in the North West and contributing to Wigan’s regeneration.
- Councillor David Molyneux, leader of Wigan Council, framed it as a vote of confidence: a sign that investors and partners see value in the town’s future.
Challenges & What to Watch
- Execution risks: Coordinating construction, design, procurement, and regulatory compliance will demand tight management.
- Integration into the broader scheme: The hotel must align seamlessly with retail, residential, public space and transport elements to succeed.
- Market dynamics: The regional hospitality market, especially in the North West, sees competition and shifting demand. How the hotel positions itself will matter.
- Sustainability & operational standards: Contemporary hotel projects are judged on carbon, energy efficiency, and guest experience. The standards set early will shape its reputation.
Bottom Line
This isn’t just a hotel — it’s a hinge point in Wigan’s next chapter. The decision to place Hampton by Hilton at the core of Fettlers signals that stakeholders see potential not only in bricks and mortar but in possibility and identity. Over the next two years, the success of this build will reverberate across the regeneration — affecting how locals, visitors, and investors see Wigan’s future.