Work resumes on Wigan Pier transformation

Work to transform Wigan Pier’s three iconic buildings has tentatively resumed.
Work resuming on the Wigan Pier buildingsWork resuming on the Wigan Pier buildings
Work resuming on the Wigan Pier buildings

Engineers from developer Step Places could be seen this week back on a canalside pontoon to remove the remainder of the former Way We Were Museum verandah prior to building a new one.

The premises are being renovated as part of a major project with The Old Courts and Wigan Council to create a new food hall, distillery, events venue and education centre.

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Work has also now begun on creating eight town houses at the western end of the site, now that the land between it and the buildings has been cleared for a car park.

The first signs of work on the new houses next to the Pier complexThe first signs of work on the new houses next to the Pier complex
The first signs of work on the new houses next to the Pier complex

Step Places development director Gareth Smith said: “The health, safety and wellbeing of all workers on-site is of paramount importance to us.

“Government guidance currently states that outdoor construction can continue.

“As a result, we have spoken at length with our sub-contractors who have put in place a robust procedure for certain works, which will allow them to bring back small teams in line with this guidance.

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“Progressing the Wigan Pier project will help to protect the income of many Wigan based workers and will help to put the town centre in a stronger position once the current pandemic passes.

“Once complete, the new Pier will be key to ensuring the regeneration of Wigan town centre, so it is important that we continue with our plans while continuously monitoring government guidelines during this public health emergency.”

As far as lockdown delays impacting on the forecast autumn opening are concerned, he added: “We would expect the project to move on slightly but without knowing the full impact of C19 it is hard to say on the opening dates but will certainly keep the public informed as things move forward.”