Hopes rise for the completion of a new Wigan food hall and apartments within the next 18 months

Developers aim to complete the transformation of a former Wigan nightclub into a food hall and apartments by early 2028, reassuring the council after delays.

Developers transforming a former Wigan town centre nightclub into a food hall and apartments have reassured the council that work will soon be resuming in earnest.

How "King Street Social" will look with a food hall on the ground floor and basement and apartments above. They are set to occupy what was previously Evolution and before that Liquid nightclubs. The work has stalled of late, however | PWA

placeholder image — How "King Street Social" will look with a food hall on the ground floor and basement and apartments above. They are set to occupy what was previously Evolution and before that Liquid nightclubs. The work has stalled of late, however | PWA

And they have set a date of January 2028 - less than 18 months away - as an opening date.

Fears had been voiced over the stalling of the major revamp of what used to be the Evolution and Liquid clubs on King Street.

And the long period that the narrow section of College Avenue has been sealed off at one end to accommodate all the scaffolding has had a damaging effect on passing trade for the Red Door Bistro there.

The intention is to turn the premises into a Mackie Mayor-type food hall – dubbed King Street Social – on the ground floor and part of the basement, while the upper storeys will be converted into 36 apartments.

The premises date back to Victorian times and began their life as offices. They were last in use as a bar five years ago.

But after the issues about the long period of inactivity were raised with Wigan Today, the council - as gatekeeper for the town centre grant that is funding the project was contacted for an update.

Attempts were also made to contact the developer itself - St Georges Swarn Housing Ltd - but without joy.

However, the local authority has come back with the following response: “The developers of the Victoria building paused the project in October 2025.

“They partially mobilised in April 2026 and have confirmed to us that they intend to fully mobilise in September 2026 with a view to project completion January 2028.

“During this time, they have maintained compliance of the building and committed to full completion of the project

“The council has helped to support the project providing a grant towards the costs of the works from the Future High Streets Fund to ensure the building was secured and viable for the future. “

The update was provided just days after it was revealed that work is to resume on restoring the nearby Royal Court Theatre.

In tandem, it is hoped that the progression of these two major projects will then accelerate other regeneration schemes for the King Street area.