Eckersley's Mills Development

In 2021 the Wigan-based Heaton Group bought this vast industrial complex with extensive plans for its redevelopment. Construction is now well underway starting with Western No.1 Mill which lies on its north-west side. As well as offices there will be a rooftop restaurant, a food hall, and a microbrewery. Plans have also been granted for Western No.3 Mill (on the south-east side of the site) to be converted into 137 flats. The Group have also got outline permission to build 817 homes across the site, as well a 120-bedroom hotel, two commercial units and a 289-space multi-storey car park. The Western No.2 Mill however (on the south-west corner) and the former Welfare building (both Grade II) will be demolished (Historic England having reluctantly agreed that their retention isn't viable). The Winding, Reeling & Beaming block, lying between Mills No.2 and No.3, was demolished in 2021.

Feast at the Mill

It will be a while before the No.1 Mill is finished, so the Heaton Group, as a taster, have opened up this temporary Food and Music Venue next to the Mill. The venue is located in the remains of the Old Boiler House on its north-east corner. This building, as it happens, has some historical interest, as it dates from the mid 19th century and seems currently to be the oldest building on the site

We found that there were three former mills in this area, the first being the Jenny Mill (early 1820s), soon to be replaced by the Old Mill, with the New or the Larger Mill being add in 1842 (the latter two lasted until the 1960s). The research also showed that the Old Boiler House was added to the Old Mill some time between 1852 and 1872. It was later converted to workshops when the Old Mill acquired a new boiler house on its southwest side. The Old Boiler House became derelict after suffering major fire damage a decade or so ago, but now it's been given a new lease of life as this temporary Food Hall. It has been extensively cleaned up and re-roofed. However some of its original features have been retained in the new arrangement, including the octagonal base of its chimney. You may or may not want to visit this venue but, as Paul Butler Associates, who carried an in depth survey of the building, points out in their Heritage Statement, it's the last chance for anybody interested in the history of this site, to see these remains before they disappear altogether (as will happen when the No.1 Mill is ready).

Wigan History Festival

It's been twelve years since the last one and a lot has happened since then, so there will be a lot of new stuff on display. The event will be held on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th April again in Wigan's All Saints Parish Church. As before there will be contributions from various heritage groups around the borough, but this time there will be a programme of talks and presentations. We will of course be able to show off our recent work at Aspull and the results of our survey of the Parish Church itself. Entrance is free and doors will open at 11.00am and close at 4.00pm.

Next Meeting

Wednesday 3rd April - at the Real Crafty on Upper Dicconson Street starting at 7.30pm as usual. This month we will be looking at the progress of the development of Haigh Hall and its grounds. Al and Al are Creative Directors of the project and will be coming along to explain what has been achieved so far and what the plans are for its future. Work started last year (see Newsletter 263) on this iconic site which has been much loved over the years by many generations of Wiganers, so it great to see that it's eventually getting the attention it deserves. Hope to see you there - BA.