Council gets back on the road to Wigan Pier

WIGAN Council is to push ahead with the Wigan Pier site after the demolition of the old nightclub was held up for nearly a year.

The council has a 10-year plan for the area which involves a marina with berths for overnight mooring, housing and a 1,200-seat venue

The nightclub building, a former Victorian storehouse, was converted forty years ago and became famous for rave and house music nights in the 1990s.

It was acquired by the council last year which intended to demolish it in January but problems securing a neighbouring building delayed the work. Demolition is now underway and should be complete soon.  

The council said it will announce a development partner “in the next few weeks” who will oversee work on what is now being called the Wigan Pier Quarter.

Deputy council leader David Molyneux said: “The regeneration of the Wigan Pier area is an important priority for the council and the local community and we have been working hard behind the scenes to make things happen.

“We have been in discussion with developers and landowners about a number of key sites and where possible, such as at Trencherfield Mill and with the former nightclub, we are taking action ourselves to bring about improvements and tackle some of the worst problems. The opening of the Saddle Junction relief road, Southgate, through the area has alleviated some of the traffic issues and has created the potential for new development.

“Securing a partner is an important step in creating a new future for Wigan Pier and I’m pleased we’re going to announce who it is very soon and reveal more details on how we plan to reshape this iconic part of Wigan.”