WIGAN PIER QUARTER

THE PLAN/ VOLUME 1 / TOWN CENTRE/ A VISION FOR WPQ

1 Foreword p.03 01 Vision p.04 02 Location p.08 03 Opportunities p.10 04 Goals p.14 CONTENTS 05 Phases 1+2 p.20 FOREWORD 06 Phase 3 p.24 Wigan Pier Quarter (WPQ) is an iconic achieve even faster connectivity with the We are determined to make this happen and 07 Why Wigan p.46 collection of buildings located on the Leeds rest of the north west, Scotland and . are determined to put our efforts into taking 08 Appendix p.48 and Canal just to the west of quick decisions, streamlining processes Wigan town centre. The site lies within the The success of as a central and working with private sector partners to stretch of land that runs from the edges player in the Northern Powerhouse and its enable delivery. of Robin retail and leisure district, up growth both economically and physically, towards the historic town centre. It is an ‘arc will also mean that Wigan is perfectly The time is right; the next few years are of opportunity’ identified as having huge placed to accept the overflow of people and critical. We pledge to work tirelessly to potential and a catalyst for regeneration. businesses who require a more affordable realise WPQ’s full potential and to unlock option for a business or residential location. regeneration and economic wealth not just In the past, WPQ has resisted attempts for Wigan but for the north west as a whole. at comprehensive regeneration. But the We are keenly aware that the market needs area has huge advantages in terms of certainty if it is to take advantage of the Cllr David Molyneux its proximity to the town centre with two enormous opportunities the Pier has to offer. railway stations connecting Wigan to the Deputy Leader of Wigan Council This certainty is built on long-term political north and south of the UK, the DW stadium Portfolio Holder for Regeneration stability and shared visions translated into a and retail park, HS2 and a concentration of robust, economic led strategy and reflected land now owned by Wigan Council. in planning policy. The regeneration of the In addition, the recent road investments in WPQ is now an absolute priority for Wigan infrastructure and the advent of HS2 will Council.

2 3 01 VISION The Leeds and Liverpool Canal passes the collection of buildings dating back to an economic hotspot in the borough that through the heart of Wigan and at 127 miles the 18th and 19th centuries, the Academy drives disproportionate growth. A place for is the longest single canal in Britain. of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA), the exchange of knowledge and ideas. An Trencherfield Museum, a new 1200 seater interactive community where people live, In its heyday, the canal carried , performance venue, a conference centre, work, create, trade and socialise. coal, , limestone, sugar and other vital local residents, businesses and a whole commodities through the rapidly expanding borough of Wiganers ready to support it. We envisage the waterfront as a hub industrial communities of and of activity once again; a thriving leisure Yorkshire. Our aim is to redefine Wigan Pier Quarter destination for Wiganers and visitors alike. not as somewhere at the edge of the town It was the opening of the Leeds and but as a place with its own centre of gravity Our vision is dependent on enduring Liverpool Canal which encouraged the and a clear identity of its own. development that draws on the area’s development of the industries in character and heritage and is outstanding Lancashire and West Yorkshire. For many We intend to revive the vitality, in terms of place-making, environmental years, they were the mainstay of Britain’s entrepreneurship and wealth-creation of performance and design. The right economic development so the Leeds and The Pier’s trading past with a vibrant urban response lies in high quality, imaginative Liverpool can rightly be said to be the most quarter that fulfils a vital role in the 21st proposals that are financially viable and historically significant canal in the country. century economy. can be delivered in a range of market conditions. Wigan Pier Quarter should be Two hundred years on, the canal has much We intend to transform WPQ into a place an outstanding place to live, work, play going for it. This includes the waterfront, that supports businesses and job creation, and stay.

4 5 A newly defined town centre

Wigan Town Centre is packed with numerous neighbourhoods that each have their own distinctive feel and offering. A rich patchwork of distinct neighbourhoods. Some quarters date back as far as the 13th Century, others are defined by Wigan’s rapid growth during the .

Wigan Town Centre can be broken down into a number of distinct character areas: ››01 Station Gateway ››02 Retail & Leisure District ››03 Innovation & Learning District ››04 Gateway ››05 River Quarter ››06 Westwood Gateway ››07 Pier Quarter ››08 Wigan Central Structural interventions

As each of the character areas within the town centre grow and develop, the spine that knits them together will become of increasing importance.

A Central Boulevard will be shaped to link some of Wigan’s most identifiable points together from WPQ through Wigan Central to Station Gateway and on to the Retail and Leisure District.

6 7 02 LOCATION Wigan is located at the heart of the Wigan now lies directly on the Manchester Northern Powerhouse. Situated between to Scotland rail route, allowing better Manchester and Liverpool City Regions - access for businesses to places such as we enjoy the best of both worlds. Cumbria’s Energy Coast and for leisure to great places like the Lake District National Wigan already has the rail connectivity to Park. rival many major UK cities. Five railway lines, including the West Coast Mainline, The Port of Liverpool is 30-minutes away; converge in Wigan. its new ‘Post Panamax’ berths can handle some of the largest ships in the world and And we’re going to be a HS2 hub. will change the UK logistics industry.

Our strategic position on the network 30 minutes to both (the means that we’re increasingly going busiest airport in the UK outside London) to become a hub for the hinterlands of and Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Liverpool and Manchester too. Quick and easy access to the rest of the Direct services to London with a travel time UK via the M62 and East Lancashire road of approximately two hours. in the south, the M6 and M58 in the west and the M61 in the east. Direct routes to Manchester and Liverpool in around 30-minutes. 8 9 ››, Grade II listed. is not about preserving things in stasis, ››Numerous Grade II listed buildings but about managing change to historic and structures within the Eckersley structures in a responsible and sustainable Mill complex. way.

Just because a structure is not formally Leisure 03 designated, does not necessarily mean The concentration of such assets, including that it does not have heritage value. Such the historic canal side warehouses, a structures can have heritage value due milestone marker and the Pier itself, in to their former historic uses or their social the Wigan Pier Quarter add greatly to the history and they should be retained and historic character of the area. protected where possible. However, it OPPORTUNITIES should be remembered that conservation The wider canal corridor runs through Wigan Pier Quarter offers some make this the ideal time to realise the Heritage exceptional opportunities, including a area’s potential. several designated environmental sites, 500 metre stretch of canal and canal The heritage, archaeology and designated including County Wildlife Sites and SSSI’s, frontage, creating unparalleled prospects A 10-year master-plan has been agreed assets of the canal corridor lying within the such as Martland Heath and Marshes to for waterfront development. with the Canal and River Trust to redevelop Wigan Pier are significant. the north west and Scotman Flashes to Wigan Pier Quarter, just a 5 minute walk the south and Kirkless Lane and Haigh WPQ is perfectly positioned to become a from Wigan North Western train station. The Wigan Pier Conservation Area, centred Plantations to the east, and it is widely centre of vitality and growth. The synergy around the Canal was designated by the recognised as a diverse habitat, worthy of between the town centre, ALRA and its These waterways play a multifunctional Council in 1987 and contains a number of protection. many students, Wigan Business Enterprise role in ’s modern day important listed buildings. Park, the museum and the emergence of economy and offer social, economic and The stretch of canal in the WPQ area is not There are a number of listed buildings on, new residents and businesses located environmental benefits. subject to any environmental designation. or close to, the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in in the redeveloped Trencherfield Mill However, the potential of the canal and its In the last decade boating traffic passing the vicinity. means WPQ is becoming a centre for the tow-path environment to support wildlife, through Wigan has increased steadily with exchange of knowledge and ideas and a ››Bridge Warehouse, Grade II listed (No. by providing a diverse habitat, and be of boats travelling towards Liverpool to use natural place for business, residents and 1 Wigan Pier.) ecological value is recognised. the Liverpool Link (opened in 2009) and leisure. ››Pottery Road bridge, Grade II listed heading up to the Lancaster Canal via the There are a wealth of interesting sites to ››Canal Cottages, Nos. 4 & 5 Pottery Ribble Link (opened in 2002). visit within an hour’s walk of the Wigan Pier Activity and investment by The Canal and Road, Grade II listed. River Trust, Wigan Council, Lottery Funding Quarter, making it an ideal destination for ››Wigan Bottom lock, No. 87, Grade II and other public and private investors Canals and River Trust visitors. listed. 10 11 However, many of these attractions are not Access Strategy and many stretches have by reducing travel time and increasing It will help stimulate investment in the Wigan Council is working with Transport for signposted from the canal tow-path and been subject to surfacing improvements business productivity and connectivity, wider area to create a highly connected Greater Manchester on a plan to be HS2- more could be made of the connections in the last few years that help to attract a HS2 will make Greater Manchester a business location that can bring significant ready. The priority is to improve the gateway between the tow-path and these places range of visitors to the canal network. significantly more attractive business economic benefits. station, Wigan North Western, to function of interest, many of which are connected location, creating up to 180,000 new jobs as an effective transport hub. Initial plans, themselves by the canal corridor. HS2 by 2040 and adding £1.3bn to the region’s With HS2, direct connection from Wigan with a feasibility study due in the autumn, to Birmingham will fall to below 35 WPQ’s future will be further boosted with economy. include better links to Wigan Wallgate The canal provides access to many minutes, with London just over 80 minutes the arrival of HS2 and our central position station to improve interconnectivity with natural, industrial heritage or retail Greater Manchester is preparing a Growth away. This offers improved access within the Greater Manchester Combined east-west rail between Manchester, attractions, many of which are identified as Strategy to optimise the opportunities from to suppliers, skills and customers for Authority. and . Refurbishment of key gateway sites in the Wigan Council’s high speed rail, including a commitment Wigan’s established businesses, as well the bus station will start in 2017, which will Greenheart Strategy. Local attractions, Greater Manchester considers HS2, in to deliver the aspirations for HS2’s as emerging specialisms such as Greater improve facilities and links to Wigan town accessible within a short distance from the combination with Northern Powerhouse Manchester Piccadilly and Airport Stations. Manchester’s fast growing environmental centre and train stations. canal, include, but are not limited to: Rail, to be vital for increasing the capacity The Growth Strategy at Manchester ››Wigan Pier. of Britain’s rail network and delivering A new mixed use development at Piccadilly aims to maximise the impact Westwood Park could create up to 1,000 ››Trencherfield Mill Engine. a transformational step-change in the of HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail, connectivity of the North’s city regions. jobs. The site will benefit from the integrated ››The Douglas Valley. providing a world class, fully integrated high speed station and from improved ››Robin Park. The Combined Authority estimates that, transport interchange for Greater motorway access, putting into action the ››DW Stadium, accessible from the tow- Manchester. joined-up thinking that strategic transport path. hubs require. Wigan Council is identifying ›› and Country Park, which additional new major employment sites runs adjacent to the canal. to attract further high-quality jobs and ››Pennington Flash Country Park. investment.

The development of high quality routes to enable sustainable travel between sites is a key aim of the Greenheart initiative. Therefore the Greenheart Access Strategy HS2 Changing-Britain-HS2-Taking-Root.pdf is addressing how more could be made of Wigan as a place of interest to visitors, the connectivity between the canal and these technology sector. The Council sees an visitor attractions and the role the tow-path integrated high speed station as a focal can play as a means of accessing some of point for regenerating the town centre by these destinations. Investment in the tow- raising Wigan’s profile and encouraging paths is a key strand of the Greenheart business growth. 12 13 MAKE WPQ A PLACE OF CHOICE TO This will be achieved by: LIVE ››Accelerating housing growth in the borough by supporting a good portfolio The Pier’s business offer depends on of housing sites. establishing the Quarter as a desirable place to live and work. We will work to ››Understanding the housing needs of the improve the quality and variety of the local borough to support the regeneration 04 housing stock and to attract new residential of areas of poor housing, deliver our development. Housing with Care programme and improve the overall housing offer. The aim is to create a critical mass of mixed ››Delivering the Affordable Housing communities which are able to support a Programme and examine mechanisms prosperous local town centre and the wide to promote further affordable housing. GOALS range of facilities upon which civic life is based. The Wigan Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment 2016 is a key Our vision for WPQ is underpinned by a WPQ has a lot going for it in terms of Enterprise Park is a managed ImpactHubCoworking clear seven point strategy to unlock the delivering such a space; workspace that is located on the New residential development will be high component of the evidence base to support area’s potential. ››Wigan borough can offer both outskirts of WPQ and this is full to quality, well designed and built to high the delivery of sufficient land for housing; to residential and commercial space at capacity. standards. We will seek to provide a wide DEVELOP WPQ INTO A KNOWLEDGE a much cheaper rate than Manchester ››Many businesses, professionals, and choice and tenure including self-build. DESTINATION and Liverpool. Making it easier for residents are now finding Manchester This will include a range of live/ work young professionals and businesses and Liverpool to be beyond their A mixture of larger premises suitable for accommodation and a wide diversity of to take advantage of the WPQ offer. budget and Wigan is fast becoming a wide variety of businesses all requiring housing involving both apartments and the next place to locate. general employment space. ››Wigan has two railway stations just a detached dwellings with an appropriate short walk from WPQ with direct lines ››Wigan has an iconic identity within quota of mixed, affordable housing. Versatile enough in its developments and to London and Edinburgh/ Glasgow. the north west of . It is known building forms to encourage organisations HS2 will also stop in Wigan and the throughout the world for its music and We will develop strategies to enable of community, social or cultural value to borough has won many awards for its night life heritage, for sport, food, and cosmopolitan, outward looking establish themselves here using their floor approach to digital. its place in Britain’s industrial working neighbourhoods that build on and celebrate space flexibly and adaptively. ››Wigan town centre is a 5 minute walk class history. the vibrancy and diversity of the Pier’s away with access to bars, restaurants, ››This and the buildings around the canal existing communities. We are particularly interested in developing museums, microbreweries and more. lend an authenticity and reputation for a coworking community. Coworking is In addition WPQ itself will have its own real people, real work, real business. The Wigan Local Plan Core Strategy (2013) centered on creating space which supports leisure amenities. identifies a housing requirement of at least collaboration, openness, knowledge 1,000 homes per year for the period 2011- Additionally, Wigan Business sharing, innovation, and the user experience. ›› 26. Paintworks 14 15 meet the borough’s need for more homes; We will build on the local community drive a robust development framework as a place of such staggering importance and to inform housing policies within the assets and local character and ensure that with the aim of delivering a vibrant, mixed- might expect. The waterside areas offer Wigan Local Plan, including the emerging new and existing residents benefit from use neighbourhoods served by a variety of the opportunities for new land uses and Greater Manchester Spatial Framework development in the area. public spaces, parks and well-defined and development of an appropriate scale that (GMSF). attractive pedestrian and cycle links. We sites of this potential deserve. CREATE A UNIQUE AND HIGH QUALITY will expect high standards of architectural ENSURE THAT DEVELOPMENT WATERFRONT URBAN QUARTER WITH and landscape design and will encourage We will be exploring the most efficient POSITIVELY BENEFITS THE LOCAL A STRONG SENSE OF PLACE this through sensitive design review and and effective ways of increasing journey AREA making this central to the development numbers by boat, improving river services We view the extensive canal side and control process. Our vision for the WPQ and maximising the waterfront’s aesthetic Investment in WPQ offers a real opportunity historical buildings as WPQ’s most valuable leaves no space for the execution or the and amenity value. to fundamentally change the lives of asset and will particularly welcome pursuit of novelty or substandard design. some of the poorest and most deprived proposals that exploit the potential of USING THE CANAL MORE AND LOCAL communities in the borough. The area’s waterfront sites. It is also essential that the A key defining characteristic of the site is CONNECTIVITY long term success is dependent on local water is animated with appropriate uses. the canal frontage and its water space. communities reaching – and potentially For various reasons it is evident that the surpassing – the regional average in WPQ’s long-term success depends on the Since the closure of the area as a Museum, canal is not currently used to its full potential terms of health and life chances, including highest standards of planning and design. leisure and entertainment area the water but by addressing the matters highlighted employment and skills levels. We will undertake the necessary work to has not been used as fully and effectively below the perception and use of the canal corridor, as well as its integration with the Economic vitality is key to quality of life surrounding area, could be considerably and the borough’s growth and reform improved: agenda. Business needs access to a skilled workforce in order to thrive. Canal side boundaries

Working with local skills and education The quality of the canal side boundaries providers we will look to unlock the wealth will be improved where possible, working of latent talent in the area and position with adjacent land owners, exploring canal local residents to take full advantage of adoption schemes by local businesses or new opportunities. community groups or through Volunteer Task Force events. Investment in skills and education will be complemented by investment in public Where any future development is proposed realm, recreational and sports facilities, better integration of the canal with its housing, healthcare, training, skills and surrounding will be required. employment. The Wapping Project Rice Mill Where possible the dominance of the

16 17 pontoons could have in terms of creating points would help to greatly improve the Therefore primary objectives should be to: New elements of community infrastructure, support through our Business Invest Team access for canoeists. legibility of the canal, thereby aiding better ››Continue to build on enhancing the a crèche, business to business meeting and Business Engagement Team. integration with the town and the facilities it places, space for a local produce market Canoe enhancements perception of the canal corridor as an offers, as well as promoting the canal as a important and usable component of and exchange. The nation’s attention will be on Wigan when leisure resource it its own right. the town. HS2 arrives and we will seek to capitalise Any development options for the site will Part of being sustainable means creating a on the opportunities that this presents. consider the aims of the Desmond Family Positive use of the tow-path can be ››Improve pedestrian linkages, access place that nurtures its own economy, where Coast to Coast Canoe Trail to promote and promoted by; points and views to, from and along the businesses grow and develop their skills MAKE IT HAPPEN facilitate access to canoeing within the canal, ››Improving the environment by making it local community. Proposals should explore ››Encourage better use of the water Wigan Council, Wigan Forward Board and a desirable place to be, with appropriate The Canal and River Trust are committed to lighting, signage, passive security and space. achieving this vision for WPQ. adjacent road corridors will be minimised well maintained landscape setting NURTURE A COMMUNITY either through improved boundary ››Improving the legibility of access to the WPQ is now ready for high-value, high- treatments or by new built form that helps canal and the usability of the tow-path A range of public open spaces, around quality, enduring development and we are to form a buffer between the canal corridor as a convenient and safe route which particular businesses can cluster and prepared to hold out for the right proposals and the road network. ››Enhancing connections to neighbouring benefit from proximity, where elements of and the right results. Boating facilities areas and creating new access points convenience shopping to suit the schemes’ to the tow-path where appropriate and workers and residents can be located, cafés We will also actively encourage temporary The provision of secure moorings and if development opportunities arise, for and meeting places can be established and short-term interim uses where these East Dulwich Tavern boater services such as refuse disposal instance any future new development to give the scheme life, both during and are commensurate with this vision and can Regent’s Canal commute successfully by mixing and trading with one points and water points would greatly should capitalise on it’s canal side beyond the working day. help bring vitality and prosperity to the another and servicing the needs of a place benefit the boating community and help to the potential of the water space for canoe location and seek to integrate with the area. We envisage these as lasting from six as a whole. make the Wigan Pier area a more desirable activities and consider options for locating canal corridor, rather than turn its back months to five years and will be part of a mooring location. a new ‘Hub’ in the Pier Quarter. on the canal side. clearly orchestrated development strategy PROMOTE WPQ AS A FOCUS FOR stepping towards our long-term vision for Canal access points The provision of pontoons in certain areas INVESTMENT ON A NATIONAL LEVEL the future. of the water space, particularly where All access points onto the canal would Building on the opportunities presented freeboard or security is an issue, will help We will work tirelessly to realise an ambitious benefit from enhancements including: by the arrival of HS2 and the focus on the to provide improved access opportunities programme for the area’s transformation. Northern Powerhouse. for visiting boaters providing them with ››Co-ordinated signage/way marking ›Improved lighting enhanced access from which to explore the › We will campaign to make WPQ attractive wider area. However, the significant cost of ››Updated interpretation to business and investors through a these pontoons would need to be balanced ››Litter collection/graffiti management combination of business incentives, with their potential benefit. One point to streamlined bureaucracy, proactive consider here is the dual benefit that the Enhanced and visible gateway access Mollys-Pizza-at-Vauxhall-Streed-Food-Market howlinghopshackneywick planning policy and on-going advice and 18 19 engineering. Churning out a massive 2,500 horse power to feed the ever hungry machinery of Trencherfield Mill, it played an instrumental role in Wigan’s industrial development. Car park With the help of a successful Heritage 05 Lottery Fund bid and restoration project, the engine has been restored to its former glory. Trencherfield Mill with ALRA, business offices, residential apartments, museum. Part of the master plan for phase one was the redevelopment of the car park at PHASES 1+2 Pier Garden Trencherfield Mill which has been in an unkempt state for a number of years. The first two phases of the WPQ residential apartments. The majority of redevelopment has created a location the office accommodation is located on This has now been re-surfaced and marked for a diverse range of activities and a real the first and three upper floors providing out to accommodate 66 spaces, six short stimulus in the development of a vibrant, suites from approximately 2,500 sq ft up to stay spaces and five disabled. Extensive creative work-live-play community. single floors of 10,000 sq ft . work has also been carried out in making the wall in front of the mill safe and secure Relief road TRENCHERFIELD MILL The space is accessed via its own dedicated The Pier Centre office reception area with separate lift withThe conference Pier Centre ACADEMY OF LIVE AND RECORDED Trencherfield Mill and the surrounding site core, male/female and disabled WCs and facilitiesConference and and ARTS (ALRA) has been redeveloped by Wigan Council kitchen facilities on each floor. performanceperformance in partnership with Nuttall Construction. A venue.venue. ALRA is a drama school which provides Development Agreement was entered into In addition to this, there is a two storey the highest quality training for students in 2005 which set out the details of the annex building providing 3,000 sq ft following a career as an actor, actress, development and the various obligations arranged over ground and first floors with stage manager or technician. of the parties, with the main obligation its own dedicated self contained entrance. being the redevelopment of the listed Mill Based in both London and Wigan, the building. Trencherfield Mill Steam Engine is drama training covers TV and film acting one of the largest and finest working for camera. Pupils also study movement, The mill itself has been dramatically examples of its type. Built over 100 years voice, acting technique, text, stage transformed to provide a mix of high ago, this mammoth metal powerhouse combat, TV presenting, radio and other quality office accommodation and 52 was regarded as a feat of industrial drama elements required to work as a professional actor. 20 21 In September 2010 ALRA North, placed in new cafe called Post Code. the heart of the North west in Wigan began training actors for the many regional PIER GARDEN and touring theatres, TV, Film and Radio The creation of a new community garden companies which are centred there, whilst on the site of the Pier nightclub is now allowing students to train at regional costs. complete. The area is now a place for In October 2012 a unique collaboration with people to enjoy and includes flower beds, Wigan Council saw ALRA take up residence trees and terraced seating down to the in The Mill at the Pier at Trencherfield Mill. canal. Built in 1907, Trencherfield Mill is one of the most iconic buildings in Wigan. With in RELIEF ROAD excess of 1500 square metres, The Mill at The opening of the Saddle Junction relief the Pier now houses all of ALRA North. road, Southgate, through the area has also alleviated traffic and has created the ALRA chose Wigan Pier Quarter as their potential for new development. northern as increasingly, agents and casting directors are choosing to base themselves in Manchester and the surrounding area.

THE PIER CENTRE

The building of a 1,200 seat performance venue at the The Pier Centre is nearing completion. 4725 square metres Roads have been put in to improve access around the existing building.

The Pier Centre is also home to a superb conferencing and events space. Its main auditorium is divided up into smaller sections and the church hires these rooms out for events, conferences, concerts. The revamped premises boast three seminar rooms, two larger conference halls and a

22 23 integrity and character of the buildings as New signage associated with the proposals CAR PARKING AND SERVICING a series of former warehouses and canal should be co-ordinated and be sensitively side industrial buildings with a number designed and located on retained historic The existing car parking area, accessed of vernacular details. Within this design buildings. from Wallgate, will need to be retained and objective, there is potential for sensitive refurbished as part of any development modifications to window openings, To improve connections through the Pier proposals. Individual car parking spaces doorways etc. along with opportunities Quarter and as part of a wider cycle network will need to be remarked to maximise its 06 crossing the town centre, a new footbridge use, and will need to include car parking for some internal subdivisions. The retention of interesting canal side features is required across the canal. The exact provision for disabled people in addition such as winches, historic loading doors location and design of the footbridge is still to general car parking provision (as set out is encouraged, along with key internal to be finalised. Developers should consider within the council’s Parking Standards). features such as supporting columns, beams the potential for new public art installations Development proposals will also need to etc. as this will help to retain the canal side that enhance the unique character of this make safe provision for off-street servicing PHASE 2 vernacular character of this group. area. These artworks could be temporary or permanent in nature. to the buildings. USES range of creative businesses within a wider Existing historic external surfaces, including mix of uses. stone setts and Yorkstone flags should A wide range of uses are acceptable in be retained in-situ, unless any areas of principle for the buildings within phase 2 of Whilst some small-scale retail uses may be these are damaged beyond re-use. These the site. These include employment, offices, acceptable as part of a wider mix, proposals materials contribute towards preserving leisure, tourism, food and drink and housing. will need to demonstrate that any retail the historic character of the area. Detailed However, a mix of uses in accordance with uses will not have a significant adverse advice on conservation and heritage impact on Wigan town centre, in line with issues can be obtained from the council’s national and local policy requirements. Conservation Officer, Ian Rowan on 01942 CONSERVATION AND HERITAGE 489251 or at [email protected]

The buildings fall within the Wigan Pier DESIGN Conservation Area, but are not listed. The Proposals should provide a strong buildings have been substantially modified relationship to the Leeds-Liverpool Canal internally and externally to facilitate their and retain and refurbish existing canal previous leisure and tourism uses. side boardwalk features (or provide new In this context, there is scope for further features). Development proposals should the outlined vision for the area is preferable internal and external modifications to provide the opportunity for people to as it is that the nature of the buildings support sustainable future uses for these overlook and access the canal side. and the site’s location would support a buildings. The general aim is to retain the Paintworks Rolling Bridge 24 25 LANDSCAPING ››The National Planning Policy preserves or enhances the character of Framework – March 2012 the conservation area. A detailed landscape design will be ››The Replacement Unitary Development 2. Allocations and Development required as part of any proposals for the Plan – Adopted April 2006 site. This will need to demonstrate how Management Plan – Initial Draft for the existing overgrown garden area can ››The Draft Allocations and Development Consultation - The draft plan identifies be refurbished to provide an attractive and Management Plan – Published October the Wigan Pier Quarter as a Regeneration usable green space. This will ultimately 2015 Priority Area, covered by Policy RP1. form part of a series of connected public ››Greater Manchester Spatial Framework The Policy sets out the criteria against spaces throughout the Pier Quarter. – Consultation Draft Published October which proposals for development, 2016 refurbishment and change of use will be judged. Plan Policy RC2 also identifies National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) ongoing improvements to the Stadium Route linking the area to Wigan town The NPPF sets out the government’s centre. planning policies and how these should be applied. The framework covers a range 3. Greater Manchester Spatial Framework of policy areas and has a presumption in – Consultation Draft – The draft plan favour of sustainable development at the emphasises the role of the main town heart of the document. centres as the primary focus for economic, retail leisure and cultural activity for their 1. Wigan Replacement Unitary areas. The Town Centres Background Development Plan - The opportunity Paper supporting the plan highlights area is within the designated the importance of the future HS2 link Wigan Pier Quarter on the adopted to Wigan town centre and the potential Replacement Unitary Development benefits of this to areas around the rail Plan and is covered by retained Policy stations, such as the Wigan Pier Quarter. EM1H. Under this policy, the area is designated for ‘comprehensive, mixed- In addition to these planning policies, Advice on landscape design, suitable use conservation-led regeneration Wigan Council has also produced a new species etc. contact, Chris Leather on 01942 comprising employment, housing, Investment Framework for the wider Wigan 489252 or [email protected] tourism, leisure and other major visitor Town Centre area. The framework identifies attractions’. The site also falls within the Pier Quarter as a distinct character PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT the designated Wigan Pier Conservation area with a number of key investment Area and is covered by Policies EV4 and opportunities based around the Leeds- The Planning Policy context is set by the EV4A. Under these policies the council Liverpool Canal. The document can be following documents: will ensure that any new development viewed at www.wiganworks.com 26 27 Car park Canal verge Ambulance Station Gibson’s The Education centre Leeds and Liverpool Canal Warehouse Warehouse Canal side opportunities Trencherfield Mill with ALRA, business offices, residential Canoe Hub apartments, museum. Goulding’s Depot Pier Garden

The Pier Centre Former Bus Depot with conference The approach to usage for individual buildings is flexible as our main facilities and aim is to create a WPQ in accordance with the outlined vision. performance venue. Eckersley Mill Wood Street The following pages outline the majority of the opportunities and where possible present detail on the history and heritage of a building or site. Leeds and Liverpool Canal

For more specific details on each site please contact; River Douglas [email protected] or [email protected]

KEY

Yellow Phase 2 opportunities, for leisure, business, residential - we have a flexible approach as long as the proposal delivers on the vision.

Pink Buildings and land that are currently in talks or in development.

28 29 THE WAREHOUSE some of the massive-section timber floor and roof joists. With a total area of 23,2000 sq.ft. over three floors, the three storey warehouse The roof is of simple design, pitched and was built in 1790 and together with the slate covered with ridge ventilation to both terminal building is shown on the 1848 O.S main ridges. There are numerous lead map which provides the earliest detailed valleys, upstands and flashings/soakers plan of the area. to various details such as parapets, vents, building abutments, canopy add-ons,roof The building is made from two warehouses lights,etc. of traditional construction built in 1890 and 1892. Internally there are three main floors (1890 section) of concrete, exposed Located on the area known as Wigan timber boarding and various coverings Pier, the warehouses served variously as throughout. Partitioning has created stores, local history museum “The numerous spaces ranging from individual Way We Were” and currently stands empty cellular offices and toilets to large open- in the main. plan areas including ‘minstrels’ gallery walkways to the main full-height open The 1892 single-storey extension to the space. Services include a redundant east end is used for storage. Both sections gas-fired central heating system with are traditionally constructed of brick. fan convectors, electrical distribution and That is, solid external load-bearing walls lighting, hot water provision, intruder and supporting internal floors and pitched fire alarms. slate roofs of simple construction. The terminal building and this warehouse There is a timber canopy over the canal would have been the work of skilled which was used to protect cargo loading/ masons. The banker masons cutting and unloading. This canopy also houses shaping the blocks of stone; while the winching areas. There is a timber decking/ fixer masons worked in teams placing and jetty running along the canal side which securing the stones. was added some time later to allow canal-side pedestrian access –possibly in The present building has a canopy on the the 1980s. Wallgate elevation which enabled carts and wagons to unload undercover and it The solid brick walls are substantial and retains it’s canal side hoist and canopy. incorporate brick piers which support 30 31 THE ORWELL

The Orwell (formally known as Gibson’s Warehouse) is a Victorian cotton warehouse, originally built in 1777, re-built in 1984 as The Orwell at Wigan Pier, is situated on the canal side near the former Wigan Terminus Warehouses which were built in 1777 and refurbished in the 1980s. Boats could moor inside the building and off-load directly into the warehouse.

With a total floor area of approximately 8,000 sq.ft. over three floors, the building was vacated by the tenant publican in 2015 and remains vacant.

32 33 THE EDUCATION CENTRE

With a total floor area of approximately 4,500 sq.ft. over three floors,the building closed in 2007 and remains vacant.

The three buildings are not listed, although they have significant heritage interest. They sit on a narrow site, totalling approximately 1.4 acres, sandwiched between Wallgate and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

The site also includes a small car park providing approximately 14 parking spaces, a lay-by for delivery vehicles and an area of unmanaged semi-mature trees and shrubs covering the western quarter of the site.

34 35 TRENCHERFIELD MILL industries - who have already expressed area. Site area 0.3Ha. commercial, retail, and leisure space and interest in the property. 52 one and two-bedroom apartments. At the heart of Trencherfield Mill, next to And the Trencherfield Mill garden area the truly awesome steam engine, is the A high quality coffee shop and bar could site is an opportunity for new leisure or The mill engine was also preserved and historic Engine Hall. serve visitors to the steam engine, residents community uses that overlook the canal restored. As of 2009 it can be seen in of the 262 apartments surrounding the site, and dry dock. Site area 0.2Ha. steam each Sunday morning. High ceilings, steel columns, concrete the drama students of the Academy of Live floors and large windows offering natural and Recorded Arts and the professionals More on Trencherfield Mill light, give great character to this wide open who walk pass the entrance between Trencherfield Mill was built alongside the square space of approximately 7500 sq ft Wigan Investment Centre and the town. which is available to let. Leeds and Liverpool canal in 1907, for There is unmet demand for meeting rooms William Woods & Sons Ltd. The working Edwardian Steam Engine and characterful conference space which - the biggest and oldest in the world - As a , Wigan was an important would be ideal in Trencherfield - but we centre of textile manufacture during the ignites curiosity and encourages learning, are open to innovative uses which respect invention and business innovation. It Industrial Revolution. This was due to and build on the unique heritage asset of numerous fast-flowing streams and rivers positions historic Wigan Pier in an authentic the Steam Engine - it’s the REAL Northern position of industrial power. in the area, by 1818 there were eight cotton Powerhouse. mills in the Wallgate part of Wigan. We know that modern tech talent likes to be Also available for development; in Manchester because of it’s connection The Great War of 1914–18 halted the supply to the industrial revolution (http://info. The car park site at the front of the mill of raw cotton, and the British government wiredscore.com/research-manchester- is also available for development that encouraged its colonies to build mills to connectivity-future), and nowhere are these supports the wider regeneration of the spin and weave cotton. The independent roots more evident than in Trencherfield mills were struggling. The Bank of England Mill. set up the Lancashire Cotton Corporation in 1929 to attempt to rationalise and save As the world moves into the Fourth the industry. Industrial Revolution, we believe industry and talent will be inspired by the engine, Trencherfield Mill was one of 104 mills as a touch-point and talisman for power bought by the LCC, and one of the 53 mills and growth. that survived through to 1950.

The Engine Hall would be ideal as a The Grade II listed building was renovated mixed-use focal point for the Trencherfield between 2005-2007 as a key part of the community, potentially incorporating Wigan Pier regeneration project. The Mill flexible workspace or space for creative became a mixed development comprising 36 37 AMBULANCE STATION views in two directions. Easy access from CANAL SIDE OPPORTUNITIES street level as well as being on tow-path. A Prominent Gateway site with canal The verge opposite (to the right of the frontage. It is suitable for hotel, leisure, CANAL VERGE image below) has numerous development or residential development that overlooks opportunities for canal side live-work-play. the canal. The canal verge lies on the same side of View from the canal and road below. the Canal as Gibson’s Warehouse and Site area 0.3ha. so has views looking towards the newly WOOD STREET installed Pier Garden and Trencherfield Mill. A cleared site, which provides an opportunity for new canal side housing, There are numerous heritage artefacts with associated parking and landscaping. and a stone building dotted along the canal here. Site area 0.4ha.

View from ambulance station, looking down the canal with Trencherfield Mill in the background.

View of the ambulance station. The site is directly on the side of the canal and with being on a bend could have fabulous

38 39 WESTWOOD PARK and enhanced, with new development will take into account the site’s assets set back and incorporated around an and aid in the creation of a sustainable A five minute walk from Wigan Pier Quarter appropriate soft landscape setting. community. is Westwood Park. The area covers approximately 44 hectares and is now one The site is also surrounded by Westwood It is proposed that the site’s main use will of the largest predominantly brownfield Business Park, a railway embankment, be residential, providing people with the sites within the borough. Westwood Cemetery, Wigan Flashes, opportunity to walk and cycle to Wigan and Leeds Liverpool Canal. Also, the Pier Quarter, the town centre and the Whilst not located within the Pier Quarter, its established residential neighbourhoods of opportunity to take advantage of the green close proximity and natural beauty, make and -In- can be and tranquil setting of the Wigan Flashes. it a significant investment opportunity. found nearby. The site has also been designated as an Wigan Pier Quarter A place of biological importance makes up employment area. Therefore, a number of Nice-Pak a sizeable piece of the site and forms the light industrial and commercial uses have International western boundary to the area considered been agreed to complement the nearby for development. employment and to take advantage of the sites access to the A49 as well as its The site is currently underutilised proximity to the town centre. brownfield land, compromising of scrub Westwood vegetation, woodland, water bodies, utility Plot 9 Plot 3 Hall In addition there will be a new supermarket Utilities and highway infrastructure and a number B1, B2, B8 to occupy the centre of the site, a visitor 2.25 Ha of listed buildings. www.ecospace.com Plot 1b centre to occupy an area adjacent Plot 5 residential Plot 8a residential 3 Plot 2 to Westwood Flash, high quality soft Local 0.68 Ha Westwood Hall and Westwood Gardens The aim is to develop this large area Ha 74 units 22 units B2, B8 landscaping and the development of the centre Plot 8b 2.55 Ha occupy the centre of the site. The listed of underutilised brownfield site into an 0.7 Ha residential A49 link road. 2.3 Ha Plot 1a building and its curtilage will be protected accessible, mixed use development that 90 units Plot 10 residential Visitors 0.84 Ha centre 30 units 0.7 Ha

River Douglas Plot 6 Plot 7 residential residential 4.05 Ha 5.26 Ha 106 units 107 units

Westwood Flash

New A49 link Road

40 41 IN TALKS OR WORKS IN PROGRESS Canal and River Trust Depot

Former Goulding’s Depot Rear of Trencherfield Mill; new Canoe hub for the Desmond Family Trust, including a Former Goulding’s Depot, Southgate; new jetty and public art. Site area 0.2ha. building to be refurbished and converted into café and bar with outdoor seating A new canal side canoe hub has been and events area, and new pedestrian lunched to provide free canoeing and other access onto the canal tow-path. Improved waterside and social action activities. Floorspace – 483 square metres Organised by the Canal & River Trust, which Plans have been submitted for a progressive cares for 2,000 miles of waterways, the hub multi-use events venue. Modelled on The is the latest activity centre to be opened as Boiler Shop in Newcastle and part of the Desmond Family Canoe Trail. Market, the “multifunctional leisure space” would be able to accommodate everything The Wigan hub on Pottery Road, next to from band gigs to food and drink festivals. the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, is one of And, as the intention is to redevelop the 10 hubs being established along the new former Monks Car Sales on Pottery Road, coast to coast canoe trail which stretches it will form part of the Wigan Pier cultural 160 miles from Liverpool to Goole. renaissance. Former Bus Depot The plan is the brainchild of All Gates A cleared site with direct access from Brewery boss David Mayhall who already Southgate. Currently in talks. Site area 1.1ha. has the Anvil pub on Hallgate as an outlet for his beers but is now looking for something more ambitious. Council planners are currently considering the practicalities and legalities of the blueprint which would be just across the road from the new The Pier www.nigeljohn.com Centre’s performance venue on Southgate.

The 440m sq premises on Pottery Road would be modified to incorporate the bar and cafe, create a storage area and a mezzanine floor. There would also be an INVEST IN WIGAN outside seating area. 42 43 Eckersley Mill

South Manchester-based property company Maryland Securities Group has planning permission for a 1 million sq ft scheme on a 15-acre site bounded by the Leeds Liverpool Canal and River Douglas fronting Wigan Pier.

The project, designed by Hodder + Partners with -based practice Lathams, centres on the redevelopment of the historic 6ha site, would be implemented in nine phases over a 10-year period.

Maryland plans a mixture of new-build and refurbishment delivering 300 new homes, commercial and cultural facilities, a new hotel, cafés and restaurants. Maryland will The external works design include paving take a long lease on the site and said it has materials, planting palettes, lighting the co-operation of freehold landowners. strategy, 106 agreement plans, cycle routes, circulation routes, parking strategy, The mills are home to 40 existing site sections and typical details. commercial tenants who will be retained as the project will be delivered in phases Lathams also prepared plans to re- over several years. develop and convert three existing mill buildings and integrate these with new The Eckersley Mills site contains a contemporary residential and commercial substantial group of Grade II listed Mill buildings along with a new marina, hotel, a buildings dating from 1827. new arts centre and public squares.

Lathams was commissioned to produce a full landscape study and subsequent site master-plan that re-establishes historic links and materials between the mills and the proposed new architecture.

44 45 being particularly strong. The borough Science, Research & Development a modern stadium just to the west of also excels in education, with Sector in Greater Manchester outside the Town Centre. College named in the top ten Further of Manchester. ››Our famous Wigan food products Education colleges in the country. ››Wigan hosts the biggest one-day including , Pataks Indian foods, business Expo in the North West. Now Potters herbal remedies and Uncle in its seventh year, attracting over Joe’s Mint Balls. Food production 07 1,000 visitors from across the UK. continues to be a core growth sector ››Wigan 10k is an annual road race for us. around the town. This year over ››Wigan Casino, the spiritual home 3,500 runners took to the tarmac, of ‘Northern Soul’ music, attracted cheered on by more than 8,000 thousands to its famous all-nighters. supporters. Wigan has now gained a reputation WHY WIGAN ››From 2026, Wigan will be a key hub as a centre for jazz and hosts an on the HS2 network. We’re already international jazz festival every WIGAN TODAY with high quality housing to buy or a key gateway between The North, summer. rent, friendly communities, outstanding Scotland and The South. Wigan Borough has a population of schools and colleges, lots of green space, ››WE’RE WORLD FAMOUS 322,000 people, of which 90,000 people canal-side walks to enjoy and excellent reside in the town of Wigan itself. Our ››Wigan enjoys international fame in connections to the rest of the north west. WE’RE HIGH ACHIEVERS IN BUSINESS population has grown by over 5% in the many areas from history and heritage last 10 years and is expected to continue The quality of the borough’s housing, to sport, food, music and more. ››Wigan has the largest level of to grow. environment and connectivity are catalysts ››Wigan has a proud history of sporting employment in the manufacturing for our economic prosperity. achievement. Rugby Today, Wigan’s economy is worth £4,201m. sector in GM outside of Manchester. League and Wigan Athletic FC share There are over 9,000 businesses in the ››Wigan has the largest GVA in the borough, supporting 120,000 jobs. We are a borough expected to grow, forecasts set this at £5,255m by 2024 but we believe this could be more given our strategic position within the Northern Powerhouse, there are over 645,000 people within 20-minutes travel by road from the town centre. Traditional logistics and manufacturing A BALANCED PLACE continue to be a pillar of the local economy, with the food and drink sectors Wigan scores highly in terms of ‘liveability’, 46 47 08 APPENDIX

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