AN agency has been appointed to develop and design the exhibition space at Leigh Town Hall as part of its multi-million pound transformation.

Wigan Council’s plans to revamp the grade-II listed building include a new museum and exhibition space, displaying fascinating artefacts and revealing stories from the town’s archives.

And now design and creative agency Core has been taken on board for the project. They are interpretive designers, experienced in creating exhibitions and displays in museums, archives, galleries, heritage sites and visitor attractions.

Managing director Helen Mort said: “This is a local project for several of our team and we are looking forward to engaging with volunteers and the Leigh community to create interesting ways to display the archive and reveal some of its fascinating stories.”

The council secured investment from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the project, which will create a new home for the borough’s archives service and a new public search room alongside the exhibition.

With historic records dating back 800 years the borough’s archives and local studies service collects, preserves and catalogues thousands of records from schools, churches, hospitals, businesses, families, estates, people, and makes them available to the public.

Three vacant shop units in the town hall will be converted into exhibition space as well.

When the town hall’s transformation is complete, children and young people will be able to access the collection with an outreach and engagement programme for schools.

There will also be new volunteering opportunities for residents to get involved with including helping to digitise collections, hosting visits, welcoming visitors and stewarding exhibitions.

READ > Plans submitted to build 93 homes on site of former school

Lesley O'Halloran, assistant director for customer services, said: “The transformation of Leigh Town Hall is an incredibly exciting project which will enhance the cultural and tourist offer of Leigh, alongside the work already ongoing at the Turnpike Gallery.

“This long-term investment in the town shows our commitment to regeneration and to preserving and celebrating our fantastic heritage.”