Work finally begins on repairing catastrophic damage suffered by Wigan performance venues three years ago
Repair works have officially begun on Wigan’s Old Courts, marking a major milestone in the revival of one of the borough’s most significant cultural and heritage venues.
Appointed by insurers, Sanderson Watts Associates are overseeing the project to return the Crawford Street building to its pre-existing condition.
The works follow catastrophic structural damage caused to the music venue and theatre spaces in 2023, later identified as being caused by third-party construction activity in 2021.
The damage forced the immediate closure of both spaces just months after reopening following the pandemic and a major repair work.
After lengthy legal and insurance challenges, the appeal against the original insurance decision was upheld, confirming full liability for the building reinstatement.
Contractors are now on-site undertaking works including precision 3D laser modelling to digitally record the ornate plasterwork and architectural detailing, ensuring that every heritage feature is accurately documented and protected throughout the repair process.
Specialist teams are also sourcing original Victorian parquet flooring to match the historic interior.
Preserving the building’s heritage character is central to the project.
The Old Courts is home to important Victorian architectural features and the repair programme must carefully balance conservation with the practical realities of modern building regulations, materials and compliance standards.
Navigating this complexity requires a highly specialist approach, ensuring that the venue retains its historic integrity while meeting contemporary safety and performance requirements.
David Jenkins, CEO of Wigan Heritage and Arts Trust, which operates as The Old Courts, said:
“To finally see construction teams on site is incredibly emotional and momentous for us.
"After almost three years of uncertainty, setbacks and fighting to secure the support we were entitled to, we are relieved beyond words to see physical progress begin.
"The Old Courts is more than just a building, it’s a creative home for so many people and today represents a huge step toward bringing that home back to life.”
Repair works are expected to be completed later this year, although no fixed reopening date is yet being announced while detailed investigations continue.
Importantly, The Bailiff Bar, which hosts free live entertainment every week and The Court Room, a popular space for weekly parties and weddings, have remained open and will continue operating throughout the repair programme.
Wigan Heritage and Arts Trust, a new charity which now holds the The Old Courts leasehold, will focus initially on the successful relaunch and stabilisation of the venue.
While there are no immediate plans to expand its building asset portfolio, the longer-term strategy, currently in development, may explore opportunities to collaborate with or use more sites across the borough.
Jonny Davenport, Artistic Director of Wigan Heritage and Arts Trust, said: “During the forced closure we’ve had time to think bigger, braver and more ambitiously about what The Old Courts can be.
"We’re keeping the things audiences loved most, but we’re also developing a more exciting and more diverse programme, including artists of international calibre who have never visited Wigan before.
"We’ve been working behind the scenes with partners from across Greater Manchester and beyond, focusing on collaboration and commissioning. While we can’t announce specific names just yet, our relaunch plans will absolutely match and exceed the standard we delivered before closure.”
While specific acts and dates cannot yet be announced, programming plans are well under way.
The ambition is clear: to reopen with a bold, high-quality cultural offer that reflects Wigan and Greater Manchester’s growing creative confidence.
Throughout the closure, The Old Courts team have continued delivering artistic activity through other spaces in the building and at partner venues across the borough.