Wigan and Leigh Community Charity (WLCC) has been a cornerstone of the borough for the last decade, enhancing local resources and nurturing small businesses to contribute to education, employment, and enterprise. However, its journey of impact extends over a span of twenty-five years.
In 1999, a small group obtained lottery funding to transform a disused block of flats on Ribble Road into a vital community resource: the Platt Bridge Youth Zone. The vision was ambitious: a Youth Zone coupled with Business Start units, a nursery, a café, and a dedicated space for local residents. By 2001, the project evolved under the ownership of Wigan Council and was aptly renamed Platt Bridge Community Zone, reflecting its broader community role.
Wigan Council continued its investment and, in 2009, funded the development of Business Incubator Units. However, by 2012, the future of Platt Bridge Community Zone was uncertain as plans for closure were announced. The facility was saved in 2013 through a successful application to the Community Investment Fund, leading to the establishment of Abram Ward Community Cooperative.
In 2017, as part of the Empowering Places programme by Power to Change, Platt Bridge Community Zone was relaunched as a Community Business hub, aiming to grow community businesses in the Abram Ward area. This initiative saw the introduction of the ‘Made in Wigan’ brand, focused on reducing inequality through community businesses.
David Baxter, the founder, reflects on this journey: “I’m born and bred here. It’s special to have a job in your local area. The amount of people that I’ve met along the way, it feels like a family.”
Despite numerous challenges, WLCC has shown resilience and adaptability. Wigan is now recognised as a Social Enterprise Place by Social Enterprise UK, with over 250 social enterprises operating within the borough.
Eunice Smethurst, Councillor of Abram Ward, expressed her pride: “I have been part of the Platt Bridge community building since its conception. Over the years, I have seen many groups offering different opportunities to the community. The building is so much more than just a part of the Platt Bridge community; it’s a part of the borough. I could not be prouder of what has been achieved in the last 25 years.”
Looking ahead, the charity remains dedicated to its grassroots. David Baxter emphasises their ongoing commitment: “We want to continue to grow the local Social Enterprise Network and support emerging hubs in other neighbourhoods. There’s still a lot of work to do in the sector. Wigan borough just has that entrepreneurial spirit! We have passion for our neighbourhoods, which we saw grow during the pandemic and continues to thrive every year.”
Wigan and Leigh Community Charity’s journey, spanning 25 years, stands as a testament to its enduring impact on the borough. Through continuous adaptation and unwavering dedication, the charity has fostered a thriving community spirit and a robust network of social enterprises, ensuring ongoing support and development for the local area.