A major transformation of one of the North West’s most iconic destinations has moved a step closer after Wigan Council signed a deal with developers to deliver a new “Wigan Pier Quarter”.
A ten year master plan to redesign and redevelop the area around the world famous Wigan Pier has been agreed between the council, the Canal & River Trust and developer H20 Urban.
The plans will transform the land around the historic Leeds and Liverpool Canal basin close to Wigan town centre and include construction of a major performance venue, new canal moorings plus new homes and shops.
Councillor David Molyneux, deputy leader of Wigan Council, said: “There’s been a lot of talk in Westminster political circles about Wigan Pier and the country going back to the 1930s. Well the reality here in Wigan is we’re looking to the future not the past.
The new Wigan Pier Quarter will include a1,200 seat performance venue at the Today’s Community Church and the creation of new moorings in the canal basin offering new water user facilities.
There will be a new commercial development off Pottery Road, as well as Improvements to the canal towpath throughout the area and better loading and access facilities for leisure boat operations.
The plan will include the demolition of the former Wigan Pier nightclub building to be replaced with a new community garden and plans to bring the building that formerly housed the tourist attraction “The Way We Were” back into use.
Councillor Molyneux said: “The regeneration of the Wigan Pier area is an important priority for the council and the local community and I’m delighted to see some real progress.
“The partnership agreement we’ve secured with the Canal and River Trust and H20 Urban is an important step in creating the Wigan Pier Quarter. It will provide the mechanism for attracting investment and development in this area and make sure it has a bright future.”
Cheryl Blount-Powell, development manager with the Canal & River Trust, said:
“The Leeds and Liverpool Canal has been a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity for nearly 200 years and we are delighted the waterway continues with that role by providing a focal point for regeneration of the Wigan Pier area. Living waterways transform places and enrich lives. We look forward to creating something really special in the town.”
