Venturing Further
Wigan
Wigan offers an impressive mix of retail and relaxation, history and heritage. Standishgate and Wallgate offer a unique Tudor-fronted shopping experience. With 2000 acres of green space and 17 parks there is space to breathe. Attractions such as the famous Wigan Pier give a unique slant on the past while modern festivals are a popular part of Wigan life. The town’s international jazz festival is complemented by an international street festival and the liquid delights of the annual beer festival. Sport is also a key feature of the town’s appeal. Wigan Rugby League FC and ‘Latics’ football teams make their home at the impressive JJB Stadium and there’s international motor sport at the Three Sisters Racing Circuit.
The Grand Arcade shopping centre is due to open in Spring 2007 with stores including Debenhams, Next, BHS, Waterstones, HMV, TK Maxx, and H&M to name a few. The development covers 428,000 sq feet of the town lying between Station Road, Millgate, Standishgate and Crompton Street.
Warrington
Warrington provides entertainment, retail and leisure opportunities that are second to none. Parr Hall Theatre and Pyramid cater for the arts, while the Golden Square Shopping centre – currently undergoing a £120 million renovation – is home to big name stores such as M&S and Next while the town itself has its own Ikea. Meanwhile, 800 hectares of open space and parkland as well as five town run leisure centres ensure fitness is never a problem.