Hopes that Wigan town centre's hospitality and entertainment hub would be open in time for the World Cup are dashed
Unforeseen circumstances have delayed the launch of a major new Wigan town centre attraction.
It was reported earlier this year that it was hoped the Stack hospitality and entertainment hub, which is taking over the Millgate side of the vast former Debenhams store in the Grand Arcade, would be open in time for the football World Cup which of course launches this week (Thursday June 11).
One of the venue’s future attractions will be big screen events, such as the broadcasting ot major sporting fixtures.
But a visit to the site this week shows work still far from finished.
Attempts have been made to contact Stack bosses for an update but none has so far been forthcoming.
However it is understood that there have been a number of issues beyond the company’s control which have slowed down developments.
Firstly it was discovered that several air conditioning units on the roof – each the size of a double garage – would have to be replaced.
And then there has been a hold-up in the delivery of girders that play a crucial part in the completion of Stack’s outlook onto Concert Square.
A huge hole was painstakingly taken out of the first floor of the former department store last year to create a two-storey space, on the upper floor of which will be numerous food stalls and bars, with a glass ballustrade looking down onto the ground floor, at one end of which will be a performance area for live acts seven days a week, including in the evenings after Grand Arcade shops have closed.
Another large aperture was also created in the outer wall looking onto Concert Square and a planned al fresco dining area.
It had been hoped that by now it could have been changed so that large glass doors are installed opening onto the piazza with a dual height verandah from the upper floor above them.
But without the steelwork, that part of the project can’t progress.
It had been originally been planned to get Stack open for Christmas 2025, but those in the construction industry know that not everything can always go to plan.