'Ambition becoming reality": Leyland town centre regeneration scheme reaches major construction milestone

A major milestone has been reached in transformation of Leyland town centre, with a topping out ceremony marking the highest point of construction of the new market and commercial buildings.

Bamber Bridge-based Eric Wright Construction, which is delivering the £22 million Leyland Market refurbishment, new commercial buildings and Market Square on behalf of South Ribble Borough Council, welcomed key stakeholders to the site to celebrate progress on one of the centrepieces of the Leyland Town Deal regeneration programme.

This phase of the programme will create a new focal point for the town centre, bringing together a refurbished Leyland Market, a new Market Square, two commercial buildings and 16 new council-owned apartments.

The much-loved Leyland Market Hall, formerly part of the Leyland Motors estate, is being refurbished while retaining its historic internal structure. The improvements include a new sustainable roof, 18 upgraded permanent market stalls and additional outdoor and pop-up trading spaces connecting directly with the new Market Square.The two new buildings will provide a mix of retail, leisure, office, business and community spaces, alongside the 16 new council-owned apartments, helping to attract more people and businesses into the heart of Leyland.

To mark the occasion, Eric Wright Construction Director James Eager and Project Manager Nick Galvin were joined by MP for South Ribble, Paul Foster and representatives from South Ribble Borough Council: Leader; Coun Matthew Tomlinson, Deputy Leader Coun Aneila Bylinski-Gelder and Director of Property and Planning, Gayle Wooton.

Charles Hadcock, chair of Leyland Town Deal Board, said: “Reaching the highest point of construction on the new market and commercial buildings is another important milestone in the transformation of the town centre, creating a stronger place to live, work, shop and spend time.

“Since Leyland was first invited by the government to develop a Town Deal in 2019, our ambition has been to create one of the strongest Town Deal projects in the country, not only through the quality of the buildings and public spaces, but also the long-term economic benefits it will create for people in Leyland and the South Ribble area.

“We’re now seeing that ambition become a reality. The transformation of Leyland Market is progressing well towards completion in autumn 2027, while the two new buildings, which will include retail and leisure spaces, offices, event and exhibition space and new apartments, are already generating interest. It’s also great to see our new affordable homes at Quin Street starting to welcome their first residents.”

James Eager, Director at Eric Wright Construction, said: “It is fantastic to see the exceptional progress being made on site. Reaching the highest point of the build is a significant milestone and reflects the collaborative effort of our project team, subcontractors and the council.

“The refurbishment of the market is also progressing at pace. The new market stalls are beginning to take shape as the team continues with the fit-out and mechanical and electrical works. I am looking forward to seeing the scheme continue to come to life and help regenerate this area of the town”

What is the Leyland Town Deal?

Leyland Town Deal is a £34 million regeneration programme transforming the heart of Leyland town centre. Enabled by a Government Town Deal, the programme is being delivered in three phases: Quin Street housing, Leyland Market Square and Commercial Hub, and Hough Lane improvements.Together, they will create new homes and public spaces, commercial and workspace opportunities, and a more vibrant, welcoming and better-connected town centre for local people, businesses and visitors.

The regeneration programme is expected to be completed in autumn 2027.