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Metropolitan Borough of Wigan

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Parent: Leigh, Greater Manchester Hop 4
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Metropolitan Borough of Wigan
NameMetropolitan Borough of Wigan
Settlement typeMetropolitan borough
Coordinates53.544, -2.631
Subdivision typeSovereign state
Subdivision nameUnited Kingdom
Subdivision type1Constituent country
Subdivision name1England
Subdivision type2Region
Subdivision name2North West England
Subdivision type3Ceremonial county
Subdivision name3Greater Manchester
Established titleFounded
Established date1 April 1974
Seat typeAdmin HQ
SeatWigan
Leader titleCouncil
Leader nameWigan Metropolitan Borough Council
Leader title1Control
Leader name1Labour
Leader title2MPs
Leader name2Lisa Nandy (Lab),, Yvonne Fovargue (Lab),, James Grundy (Con)
Area total km2188
Population total330,714
Population as of2021
Population density km2auto
Websitehttps://www.wigan.gov.uk

Metropolitan Borough of Wigan is a local government district in Greater Manchester, England. It was formed on 1 April 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, amalgamating the former County Borough of Wigan with several surrounding districts. The borough is governed by Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council and encompasses a mix of industrial towns, historic settlements, and rural areas. Its administrative centre is the town of Wigan.

History

The area's history is deeply rooted in the Industrial Revolution, with its economy historically dominated by coal mining and textile manufacture, particularly cotton spinning. Settlements like Leigh and Atherton grew rapidly during this period, powered by the Lancashire Coalfield. The borough contains sites of historical significance, including Haigh Hall, a country house built by the Bradshaigh family, and Pennington Flash, a country park created from subsidence caused by mining. The Wigan Pier area was famously referenced by George Orwell in his 1937 work *The Road to Wigan Pier*, which documented the lives of the working class in the region.

Geography

The borough covers an area of approximately 188 square kilometres in the western part of Greater Manchester. It is bordered by the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton to the east, the Metropolitan Borough of Salford to the south-east, St Helens in Merseyside to the west, and West Lancashire to the north. The landscape transitions from the urban centres in the south to more rural areas in the north, featuring parts of the West Pennine Moors. Key waterways include the River Douglas and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, which played a vital role in the area's industrial transport network.

Governance

Local government is conducted by Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council, which operates a leader and cabinet executive model. The council is based at Wigan Town Hall. The borough is divided into 25 wards, electing 75 councillors. Politically, the council has been under the control of the Labour Party for many years. The borough forms part of three parliamentary constituencies: Wigan, Makerfield, and Leigh, represented respectively by Lisa Nandy, Yvonne Fovargue, and James Grundy.

Demographics

According to the 2021 Census, the borough had a population of approximately 330,714. The largest settlements are Wigan, Leigh, and Atherton. The population is predominantly White British, with growing communities from other ethnic backgrounds. The borough has a strong historical identity tied to its industrial past, with local dialects reflecting its Lancashire roots. Population density is highest in the southern urban towns, contrasting with the more sparsely populated northern villages like Standish.

Economy

Historically centred on heavy industry, the borough's economy has diversified significantly since the decline of coal mining and textile mills. Major employers now include the NHS, with the Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust being a significant provider, and the logistics sector, utilising the borough's strategic transport links. Retail is focused in centres like the Grand Arcade in Wigan and the Spinning Gate centre in Leigh. The Trencherfield Mill steam engine in Wigan Pier is a symbol of the area's industrial heritage and a tourist attraction.

Transport

The borough is served by a network of major roads, including the M6 motorway, the M61 motorway, and the A577 road. The West Coast Main Line railway runs through the area, with key stations at Wigan North Western and Wigan Wallgate, providing connections to Manchester, Liverpool, and London. Local bus services are primarily operated by Stagecoach Manchester and Diamond Bus North West. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal remains in use for leisure activities.

Education and culture

The borough is home to several secondary schools and colleges, including Wigan and Leigh College and St John Fisher Catholic High School. Cultural institutions include the Museum of Wigan Life and the Old Courts arts centre. The area is known for its sporting traditions, being the home of Wigan Warriors rugby league club, based at the DW Stadium, which they share with Wigan Athletic football club. Annual events include the Wigan International Jazz Festival and the Lightwave winter festival.

Category:Metropolitan Borough of Wigan Category:Metropolitan boroughs of Greater Manchester Category:Local government districts of North West England