Plans for one of Wigan’s largest development sites are now open to public consultation for the next six weeks. Westwood Park, located about a kilometre south of the town centre, has been described as ‘pivotal in shaping the town’s future’.
The borough’s draft local plan identifies the 58-acre brownfield site as suitable for around 420 new homes and modern employment space. The land was previously home to the Westwood power station, which closed in 1986.
Site boundaries and existing features
The site is bounded by the west coast mainline railway to the east, the A49 Westwood Way with the alignment of the proposed Wigan-Hindley link road and Westwood Lane to the south. Westwood Flash lies to the west, with the Leeds-Liverpool canal and existing employment development to the north.
It is one of six development sites earmarked for homes and industrial development in the draft plan. The majority of the site is cleared, except for three buildings, one of which is Grade II listed, a substation, and surface car parking near office buildings. A further Grade II listed building, Westwood Hall, was destroyed by fire in 2022, with what remained subsequently demolished.
Infrastructure and ownership
Wigan Council’s local plan notes some existing public rights of way within the site boundary, with the aim to upgrade and improve these. The plan describes Westwood Park as having “excellent strategic route access and a position as a new gateway to Wigan town centre,” thanks to the A49 Westwood Way, which opened to the public in June 2020 and provides direct access to the M6 via junction 25.
The majority of the site is owned by the council, with a small part owned by Greenbank Properties. The site was marketed in 2025 as a strategic development opportunity, and a preferred bidder is currently in negotiations with the council and Greenbank to purchase the site.
Development proposals and next steps
The draft plan states: “The site allocation is for a housing-led mixed-use development comprising around 420 homes together with new employment space on around 3.5 hectares of land to the east.” It also requires the development to deliver high quality green infrastructure and take advantage of its proximity to Westwood Flash.
In 2025, Aidan Thatcher, director of place at Wigan Council, highlighted the site’s importance: “The 58-acre site is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping Wigan’s future. With its prime location, balanced mix of development potential, and commitment to preserving natural beauty, Westwood Park is more than just a development site – it’s a cornerstone for Wigan’s next chapter.”
Notices have been posted around the site publicising the consultation. Those wishing to respond have until Wednesday, October 21 to do so.
