An underground bunker cinema, world class dining experience, astronomy displays and the transformation of a derelict zoo are all planned in a huge overhaul of Wigan's historic Haigh Hall. The project potentially worth £37.5 million is set to restore and expand the historic site ‘to its former glory’.
The hall, which was built around 1840, stands as an iconic building amid the picturesque surroundings of Haigh Woodland Park. In recent years its played a role on the small screen, popping up as a location in popular Sky comedy-drama Brassic.
A derelict zoo on School Lane, just off the main complex, is set to be transformed into a new visitors attraction and learning centre. The new ‘multi purpose garden pavilion’ and education and training hubs will provide more activity space. The works will include a 16 space car park.
The former zoo on School Lane closed in the 1990’s and has been left vacant ever since.
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The overarching project has seen a huge amount of funding pumped into the historic site to make much needed repairs to all aspects of the building and ‘transform’ it into a community space. Haigh Hall itself is currently undergoing a massive refurbishment in connection with these other regeneration works.
According to the Wigan Council plans, a new world class dining experience, an underground bunker cinema, an art gallery for ‘Theodore Major’s visionary work’, and a rooftop terrace for astronomy are all set to become a reality. In addition to the ‘five floor masterplan’ to restore the hall itself, the derelict gateway lodges are set for a revamp as well.
With the cinema room being used for special exhibitions and children's matinee cinema on weekends, it is unlikely to be showing all the latest blockbusters. However, it will be part of a multi-platform experience provided by Haigh Hall.
Dubbed as ‘unsafe and unwelcoming’ by the council, the entrance buildings will be brought back to use as an ‘interpretative gateway’, toilet and information kiosk. The council believe the unused state of them deters some people visiting the site.
Councillor Chris Ready, portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “Our Haigh Hall masterplan would transform this iconic landmark into an attractive arts, culture and heritage visitor destination of national significance; one which will celebrate the rich character and unique story of our borough.
"On top of the restoration of the Hall itself, our plans for the wider grounds include bringing this derelict area back into use with the creation of an attractive community space capable of supporting various community activities and educational opportunities.
“We are committed to engaging with local residents throughout the process and will be developing a full traffic and transport strategy for the whole site which will consider issues such as parking capacity and access routes to support our ambitions while having minimal impact on residents.”
The project is still subject to funding with a bid of £20m submitted to the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, with a pledge of £11.5 million of match funding from Wigan Council's budget and a separate bid of £4 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
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