Developer lined up for Wigan Pier revamp

THE canalside Wigan Pier Quarter development is to be brought forward by developer H2O Urban.

The town’s council has agreed a 10-year masterplan for the site with the Canal and River Trust, which manages the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, and H20 Urban, a joint venture between London and Cheadle Hulme-based developer bloc and the trust.

The scheme involves a marina with berths for overnight mooring, housing and a 1,200-seat venue. The Wigan Pier nightclub building has been cleared to make way for a park.

The former Victorian storehouse was converted 40 years ago and became famous for rave and house music nights in the 1990s. It was acquired by the council in 2013 and recently demolished.

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.

“We’ve come up with an exciting new vision for a Wigan Pier Quarter and signed a deal with a proven developer to deliver this. It will bring prosperity and opportunity to the whole town.”

The quarter will also include commercial development on the former bus depot site at Southgate and improvements to the canal towpath. There are also plans to bring the building that formerly housed the tourist attraction “The Way We Were” back into use.

Richard Thomas, development manager for H2O Urban, said: “Wigan Pier is a world famous destination and we want to create somewhere that lives up to that fame. H2O Urban, together with our partners, intend to breathe new life into this historic part of Wigan. There are many diverse opportunities available as part of the development plans. If you have a business requirement, come and speak to us as we may be able to help you.

“We will be developing the plans during 2015 and be looking to start the first phase of works shortly thereafter. This is an exciting project and we look forward to delivering a project that Wigan can be proud of.”