A PROJECT manager has been appointed to oversee plans for a multi-million pound leisure haven in a rundown part of Leigh.

The old Bickershaw Colliery site, alongside Plank Lane, could soon be transformed with homes, shops and a marina.

Although plans are in their infancy, the project manager has been appointed following a feasibility study of the two sites -- colliery land owned by the North West Development Agency and 350-acre tip site owned by Wigan Council.

A planning exercise is being carried out by English Partnerships and Wigan Council which will lead to public consultation, possibly by the end of the year.

A spokesman for English Partnerships, the main funders of the site's restoration, said: "These plans are in the earliest stages.

"The tip site is green belt land so we are tied to providing recreation and leisure. We could grass it over for walks or landscape the site -- it's up to residents to have their say."

A council spokesman said: "By the end of the year there should be a consensus as to the most appropriate uses for the colliery site."

"The principle of some sort of memorial to celebrate the former colliery use of the site has already been agreed with English Partnerships. We anticipate this could be located in a new village green area which may be created.

"Our consultants are having to resolve a considerable number of technical issues relating to the site and its surroundings, including the Leigh branch canal and the potential for a new marina, the provision of electricity and other services to the site and the capacity of the road network in the area."