Development bids invited for trio of buildings at iconic Wigan Pier

Development bids have been invited for three iconic buildings at the iconic Wigan Pier.

Wigan Council has unveiled a six-week tender period for bids to be made to develop the buildings as part of its flagship regeneration project.

There has been significant interest from developers in the buildings, which stand next to Wigan Pier on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, in the year which marks the 80th anniversary of the publication of George Orwell’s landmark book ‘The Road to Wigan Pier’.

The three former industrial buildings include The Warehouse, known locally as the former Way We Were Museum, The Orwell former public house, and the Education Centre.

The buildings are central to the Wigan Pier Quarter regeneration area and have attracted interest from across the region as a destination for investment and new industries on an iconic waterside setting.

The Wigan Pier Quarter has recently seen the development of the Pier Centre conference centre and performance venue, approved planning permission for a social, arts and café venue in a former industrial building next to the pier and Trencherfield Mill continues to attract interest from major employers as a new headquarters.

The tender process is being overseen by the council in partnership with commercial property agents Lambert Smith Hampton and the Canal & River Trust.

Karl Battersby, Wigan Council’s director of economy and environment, said: “We are pleased to be now welcoming formal bids to bring the Wigan Pier buildings back into use and regenerate this iconic location.

“There has already been significant interest in the buildings over recent months and we are excited to be starting the formal process of working with private sector partners to make a reality of this unique regeneration opportunity.

“We have had a mix of ideas put forward for the buildings including new office space, leisure and social destinations.

“At the end of the tender period we will review all tenders and choose a preferred partner or partners.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for a private sector partner to be involved in such a historic and iconic location and an important project for the future growth and regeneration of Wigan town centre.”

Simon Turner, director at Lambert Smith Hampton, said: “Wigan Pier is an icon in the North West, and an important part of the history of the region.

“There is no hiding from the fact that over the past few years the site has started to become a relic of its proud history.

“Lambert Smith Hampton is delighted to be a part of the process of securing a development partner with the track record and passion to restore and redevelop Wigan Pier Quarter to its former fame, and in turn provide a catalyst for our clients’ ambitious vision for Wigan.”