Things are changing in Wigan
Across Wigan, the mills, mines and slag heaps of the past are being reinvented as places to live, work and play. The recent approval for the redevelopment of Eckersley Mill in Wigan is the latest example of how the town is changing.
It is thought that during the 19th century, about 80 per cent of cotton spinning in the world took place within 25 miles of Manchester, in what was dubbed as Cottonopolis. The industry wound down in the 1980's, owing to low-cost competition from India and China. Eckersley Mills At Mill 1, the council has granted permission to transform a site currently used as a gym and fitness facility, wrestling club, play centre, and self storage into a food hall. These plans will feature a series of individual stalls and a bar on the ground floor with an outdoor terrace that can host around 350 people.
“It is hoped that together with the redevelopment of the nearby Mill 1, designated for commercial use, they would provide a catalyst for the much needed future regeneration of the rest of the Eckersley Mills site. The newly renovated building needs to celebrate the existing architecture and historical use of the mill whilst integrating new contemporary design elements and a new use, whilst still respecting the cultural and historic significance of the original Mill.
Built over 100 years ago, the mammoth metal powerhouse was regarded as a feat of industrial engineering. Thanks to National Lottery Funding, the engine - that churned out a massive 2,500 horsepower to feed the machinery of Trencherfield Mill - has been restored to its former glory. Hosting the annual Light Night Festival is just one example of how the council aims to brighten up the borough during the winter period with dazzling art displays. Light Night attracts artists from all over the world to light up the complex of canals that surrounds the town centre with art displays.
Leigh Film Society, who run the cinema, show a range of pictures from the latest releases to Scandinavian indie films for true movie buffs at affordable prices, driven by a policy of ‘cinema is for all’. There is still history contained within the mill though, with the original steam engines, 'the Mayor and Mayoress', that powered the mill proudly sitting at the foot of the building.
Pagefield Mill Not every mill in Wigan is primed for redevelopment, however. Pagefield Mill has been subject to a number of closure orders in the past few years due to spates of vandalism - an example of a mill left to wrack and ruin.
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