For years, the name “The Galleries” in Wigan has meant one thing: potential. As shops closed and the steel skeleton of redevelopment stood still, locals could only imagine what could be.
But in January 2026, that changed.
With demolition now complete and construction starting on Wigan’s brand new Market Hall, apartments, leisure venues and green spaces, this long-awaited regeneration has officially broken ground and it’s already impacting local house prices, especially in areas like WN1, WN3, and along St Helens Road.
If you’re a homeowner asking, “Should I sell my house in Wigan now?”, this may be the best window in years.
Here’s why the Wigan town centre regeneration in 2026 is about much more than buildings – it’s about demand, value, and a shift in how people view this part of Greater Manchester.
What is The Galleries redevelopment?
In short, it’s one of Wigan’s largest-ever regeneration projects, set to completely transform the town centre over the next two to three years.
Key features of the project include:
- A new Market Hall combining traditional stalls with modern food and drink spaces
- Over 460 high-quality apartments for town-centre living
- A cinema, bowling alley, gym and night-time venues
- Landscaped public squares and green spaces
- Eco-friendly design focused on sustainability and energy efficiency
As of January 2026:
- Demolition has finished
- Groundworks have started on the first residential units and the Market Hall
- The site is attracting attention from investors, buyers and developers – both local and national
Why this matters for WN1 and WN3 homeowners
Until recently, many homes just outside the town centre were seen as being “too close” to the decline of central Wigan.
Now, that’s flipped.
With The Galleries set to reopen with cinema screens, rooftop bars and contemporary flats, streets in WN1 and WN3 are gaining serious value thanks to their proximity to the new “city fringe” lifestyle.
Think of it this way:
- 10 years ago, people were buying near Manchester’s Ancoats or Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle before those areas exploded
- In 2026, The Galleries effect is doing something similar for central Wigan
The ripple effect on house prices in 2026
We’re already seeing the early stages of value uplift:
In WN1:
- 3-bed terraced homes have jumped from an average of £145,000 to £162,000 in the past 12 months
- Detached homes near Mesnes Park are now attracting premium offers from hybrid commuters and city-centre renters turned buyers
- Investors are entering the market for HMOs and short lets close to the regeneration zone
In WN3:
- St Helens Road and Poolstock Lane are becoming hotspots for buyers wanting walking access to town
- New demand is coming from first-time buyers and professionals who see this as the next affordable area to watch
And we’re just at the beginning. As the Market Hall and public spaces take shape through 2026–27, prices are expected to climb further.
Why “city-fringe” is the new property buzzword
You might not think of Wigan as a traditional city. But the town’s regeneration is bringing city-style amenities and design without the Manchester price tag.
Walkable access to:
- Green space
- Markets and food halls
- Public transport
- New leisure venues
- Modern living – all in your local area
It’s a formula that attracts:
- Young professionals
- Couples priced out of Salford or Manchester
- Downsizers wanting lifestyle and convenience
- Investors looking for yield and growth
If your property is within 10–15 minutes’ walk of the town centre, you’re sitting on a prime piece of Wigan’s new lifestyle map.
Sell my house in Wigan – is now the right time?
If you’re on the fence, here are four reasons why January 2026 is a golden opportunity:
1. You’ll be first to market in the new cycle
As construction begins, buyer confidence is growing but many sellers haven’t yet realised it’s happening. This gives you early-mover advantage.
2. Buyer demand is high
We’re seeing:
- Strong enquiries for town-centre and fringe properties
- Interest from out-of-area buyers
- Renewed confidence in Wigan as a long-term location
3. Regeneration attracts serious interest
Listings that mention “close to The Galleries redevelopment” or “within walking distance to new Market Hall” are getting more views and more offers.
4. You can still capitalise before full pricing peaks
As construction progresses, prices will rise but competition will rise too. Selling now gives you visibility without overcrowding in your bracket.
Streets seeing the biggest bounce in value
Looking at local data and buyer interest, here are key areas seeing uplift from The Galleries project:
St Helens Road (WN3)
- Traditionally mixed-use, now in growing demand for residential buyers
- Properties with off-street parking and scope to extend are commanding a premium
- Walking distance to Wigan Wallgate and North Western stations
Walkden Avenue & Swinley Road (WN1)
- Near Mesnes Park and a short stroll to the new developments
- Victorian semis and terraces are being modernised and let at top-of-market rents
Darlington Street East & Hodges Street (WN1)
- Historically undervalued, now becoming attractive to first-time buyers
- Rental yields of 6–7% and easy tenant turnover due to location
The Galleries redevelopment update: What’s next?
Here’s what’s happening through 2026:
- Spring: Core Market Hall construction and public square landscaping
- Summer: First residential foundations go in
- Autumn: Cinema and leisure venue shell build begins
- Late 2026: Marketing starts for new apartments, further raising interest in nearby streets
This timeline means your property value will likely increase steadily across the year – but listing now ensures you don’t miss the first wave of serious buyers.
What buyers are looking for in 2026
The Wigan buyer of today is different than five years ago. They want:
- Homes with modern kitchens and bathrooms
- EPC Band C or better, especially for first-time buyers and landlords
- Walking access to town, transport, and green space
- Outdoor space – even a small patio or garden
- Properties near regeneration zones with long-term upside
If your property ticks some of these boxes or could with light modernisation, it’s worth speaking to us now.
Belvoir Wigan: Your local property partner for 2026
We’ve worked in this market for years – and we know how to sell not just a home, but a location on the rise.
With The Galleries now entering its construction phase, we’re helping sellers in WN1 and WN3:
- Position their homes as part of Wigan’s new story
- Reach active buyers looking for value before prices rise further
- Prepare for viewings, compliance, and smart pricing strategies
- Understand the new selling points created by town-centre investment
Selling in a regeneration zone: How to make your listing stand out
When marketing your home, we help highlight:
- Proximity to The Galleries redevelopment and transport
- Lifestyle potential: nearby parks, new amenities, walkability
- Energy efficiency and long-term cost benefits for buyers
- Investment potential for landlords (especially if already let)
- Available upgrades that can push your sale price higher
We’ll also advise on presentation, local market timing, and how to stage your home for the buyers currently browsing Wigan’s fast-growing property market.
Final thoughts: Don’t miss the early bounce
The Galleries is no longer a plan – it’s a project in motion. For homeowners in WN1 and WN3, that means opportunity.
With construction starting and demand heating up, 2026 is your moment to list before the crowd catches up.
You’re not just selling a house, you’re offering a home in the new heart of Wigan.
Ready to sell smart in 2026?
Book your free valuation today and discover how much more your Wigan home could be worth in this new market.
