Road to Wigan Pier opens up for developers

A scheme to regenerate the iconic Wigan Pier as has been granted planning permission by councillors.

The decision means developer Step Places, cultural organisation The Old Courts, Wigan Council and the Canal and River Trust can transform the currently vacant 18th century industrial buildings.

The site was made famous by writer and novellist George Orwell in his book looking at poverty in England.

A wedding venue, gin-distillery, micro-brewery, food hall and waterside town houses are just a few of the  plans for the site, which will now be developed when building starts next month.

Two separate applications were discussed at the meeting.

The first application related to the change of use of the previous Orwell public house, Heritage Centre and The Way We Were Museum to a gin distillery, micro-brewery, food-hall, wedding venue and events space.

The second application related to the development of eight three-storey, canal side gated residential town houses, with parking and landscaping included.

The work is part of Wigan Council’s Strategic Regeneration Framework, the authority’s masterplan and future vision for the town centre.

Leader of the council David Molyneux said: “The collaborative plans we have for Wigan Pier will completely rejuvenate the area and will connect the Pier Quarter to the town centre much more seamlessly.

“We are confident that that local people, visitors and those with an interest in the Pier buildings will welcome this formal decision and will also enjoy seeing this 18th Century site be brought back into modern use.

“We’re working hard to develop a new offer that will attract visitors, which includes culture, leisure and employment opportunities.

“We’re also really pleased to see a residential offer included in the vision which will ensure we have a mixture of homes available to suit our residents and is a key ambition outlined in our Strategic Regeneration Framework’.

“Wigan Pier is a huge step-forward in creating this offer and it is great news that the work can now really begin. As always, we will continue to keep the public informed of the development as it progresses.”

In addition to the change of uses and the development of residential space, new public realm has been designed to encourage people to visit the area.

Harry Dhaliwal, managing director of Step Places, said: “Today’s decision is a defining moment for both the Wigan Pier development and the future of the area. We are looking forward to starting work on the scheme alongside our dedicated partners and creating a truly outstanding destination with high quality spaces that Wigan can be proud of.”

Enabling work in preparation for planning approval has already started and the scheme is scheduled for completion in March 2020.