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New road to Wigan Pier

15/ 9/2005

WORK has started to transform historic Wigan Pier into a £45m "cultural quarter".

It's just one of many new projects civic chiefs hope will breathe new life into the town.

The Pier's new look will be a far cry from its industrial past as a centre of cotton and coal distribution.

A collection of canalside warehouses will be transformed into a 500-seat concert hall, bars, restaurants and apartments, and a 44-bed hotel will be built.

The Grade II listed Trencherfield Mill, home of the Trencherfield Mill engine, will become an "urban village" with heritage-based visitor attractions and shops.

Attraction

Workmen have started demolishing the derelict Victoria Hall near the mill entrance and clearing sites. Up to 13 Pier buildings surrounding the site will also be redeveloped. Work is due to be completed in 2007.

"The Wigan Pier Quarter regeneration is sure to revitalise what is already a vibrant town," said Keith Bergman, Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust's tourism manager.

"It will attract visitors from far and wide when it is finished."

Coun Brian Baldwin, Wigan council's cabinet member for culture, said the Pier scheme would create new jobs and spin-off investments in the town.

He said: "Wigan is shedding the outdated, stereotyped image thanks to exciting regeneration projects like this."

Meanwhile, the council said work should start on the £75m Leigh Sports Village next April after a legal challenge. It will include a 10,000 all-seater rugby league and football stadium, a 400-metre track for Leigh Harriers, new buildings for Wigan and Leigh College and office, leisure and retail facilities.

The £110m Grand Arcade scheme for a new Wigan shopping centre is also pressing ahead. The privately-funded development will take two years to build and provide 36 new shops between Station Road, Millgate, Standishgate and Crompton Street.

Wigan will also get a new central library and swimming pool in a £65m town centre revamp. The council hopes to replace Wigan international pool and build a new library.An artist's impression of how the Pier will look.

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