Wigan can be capital of culture

WIGAN has potential to become the UK’s City of Culture, according to its council chief executive.

Donna Hall says the borough’s fast-growing arts scene and rich cultural heritage make it an ideal candidate to bid for the title by the end of the next decade.

The ambitious claim comes as the town hall gears up to launch a consultation on its plans to shape public services beyond 2020. Ms Hall, who has been at the helm of the authority since 2012, said although the borough may have ‘some catching up to do’, the cultural accolade is a realistic aspiration.

Inspiration for a proposed bid has come from counterparts at Renfrewshire council who were part of Paisley’s unsuccessful attempt to secure the 2021 title.

Ms Hall said: “There’s no reason why we couldn’t be bidding by 2030 (because) of the history and the culture of the place. We’ve got so many great artists, lots of burgeoning social enterprises and a theatre.”

“The people from Renfrewshire have been saying we should be going for it, there’s something unique and special about this place. Whether we’ll be ready by then, I’m not sure,” she added.

The growing scene at the Old Courts venue in the town centre and proposed regeneration of the Pier Quarter ‘which is really going to take off’ are adding to the town’s appeal, according to the chief executive.