When we first announced the Slice of Hope project, the plan was relatively straightforward.
The old pensioners’ hut had reached the end of its life. Years of neglect had left it beyond repair and, after part of the roof collapsed, it was clear that the building had become both unsafe and unusable. Rather than simply demolish it and leave another empty space behind, we wanted to replace it with something that would benefit the community for years to come.
At that stage, the proposal was for a single shipping container.
The aim was to create a modest training space where young people could develop practical skills, volunteer and gain experience in a supportive environment. It was an achievable first step and one we hoped would grow over time if the community embraced it.
How a Simple Idea Grew into Something Much Bigger
Before any work began, we spent time listening.
Community consultation had already identified a clear need for more opportunities for young people. Parents, residents and local organisations all spoke about the lack of positive activities available, particularly for older teenagers and young adults preparing for work or further education.
The challenge was deciding how best to respond.
The idea that emerged was to use pizza making as the vehicle. Not because we wanted to build another takeaway, but because it offered something practical that young people could immediately relate to. Preparing food, working as part of a team, dealing with customers and taking responsibility all create valuable experience that simply can’t be learnt from a classroom alone.
When that idea was taken back to the community, the response was incredibly encouraging. People understood that this wasn’t really about pizza. It was about giving young people somewhere to belong while developing skills that would stay with them long after they left the project.
As planning continued, something unexpected happened.
The more people heard about the project, the more support it attracted.
Through the National Lottery Community Fund we secured funding to remove the old building and begin construction. At the same time, local businesses stepped forward with materials, discounted services, professional expertise and financial support through Match My Project. Volunteers offered evenings, weekends and countless hours of their own time.
What had started as a relatively small project no longer needed to stay small.
The design evolved from one container into three, allowing us to create a much more flexible space that could accommodate larger groups of young people, support community events and give the project room to grow well into the future.
the support that made this project possible
Looking back over the last year, what stands out most isn’t the building itself.
It’s the number of people who have chosen to be part of it.
Every section of steel that has been welded into place, every window installed, every wall painted and every hour spent clearing the site represents someone who believed this project was worth investing in. Without that collective effort, Slice of Hope would still be an idea on paper.
The transformation has been remarkable.
A part of the site that had become neglected and attracted anti-social behaviour is now becoming one of the most exciting areas of the community hub. The change is obvious when you compare the photographs from the beginning of the project with where we are today.
Those images tell a story that words never fully can. As construction enters its final stages, our focus is beginning to change.
For the past year we’ve been building the space. Soon we’ll begin building the programme.
Young people will start volunteering, developing practical skills, helping to shape the project and, through Dojo Pizza, learning in a real working environment designed to prepare them for whatever comes next.
Looking back, it’s difficult to believe how far the project has come from that original sketch of a single container.
More importantly, it reminds us that the best community projects rarely stay the size they were first imagined.
They grow because people believe in them.
Slice of Hope is proof of that.
"Today's young people are facing real challenges—far fewer safe, dedicated spaces to hang out, learn, or just be themselves. Many deal with isolation, mental health struggles, or an uphill battle to build skills and find their path. Slice of Hope is about stepping up for them: offering a place where they feel truly seen and valued, gaining practical skills that build capability and confidence, and connecting with guidance and peers in a way that makes a lasting difference. It's not just a building—it's about giving our young people the support and opportunities they deserve, right here in the community"
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SLICE OF HOPE PROJECT...
Launching
Join us at our upcoming open day to explore the Slice of Hope project, meet the team, and see how this space is creating opportunities for young people and the community.
I gotta say, I’m excited to see what’s cooking’ with this pizza idea. Pardon the pun. But let’s make sure it doesn’t just end up as another run-down spot. We need quality and something that will last, not a quick fix.
Bring back the Youth Club! The new youth club at Leigh Sports village is good but we need one in Lowton too so transport issues will be less of a problem.
I missed the first meeting but managed to make the second. It was great to see so much positivity rather than everything been so doom and gloom for so long. ‘A slice of hope. That’s exactly what we all need!
The old youth club was abig part of my childhood, and seeing it closed down was really sad. I’m hopeful that this project will provide a new space for young people to have some fun away from screens. Exactly what is needed!
The old pensioners hut’s been an eyesore for too long, and bringing back the youth club would bring new life back to the area. can’t wait to see this, i’ll be the first in the queue!
It’s about time! I’ve been waiting for something like this to happen for years.
Having a dedicated space for community events is something we desperately need. I’m looking forward to seeing how the project works out and the positive impact it will have on our area.
Don’t think for a second this will wash Wigan Council from selling off all the land to the house builders!!! I’m proud to be a part of Lowton all my life and to see it change is horrible. We definitely need something for the youth. This project (if it actually happens) seems like a step in the right direction. We’ll see. The proof is in the puddin.
The idea of using a steel container for the pizzeria is brilliant and sustainable. It’s great to see a project that not only sorts out a problem and what we need also priorities environmental responsibility. Really excellent idea.
The pensioners hut has been ready to be knocked down since I was in school so definitely needed, just a bad eye sore. I’m not keen on seeing loads of fast food places all over Lowton, luckily there arnt that many and no pizza place? What the hell! They’re normally all over the place. This seems different, like such a good idea and something the young people definitely need in our area. I hope it’ll be open to serve everyone though. I’m all for pizza yummm, it’ll do really well!
[…] Slice of Hope: Building Slice of Hope […]