FLASHBACK: Wigan's massive Eckersley's Mills over the decades

Big things are happening at the long neglected collection of giant Victorian buildings known as Eckersley’s Mills at Wigan Pier. Only last week the first of a series of street food spectaculars took place there as a prelude to a new food hall being created in one of the premises along with lots of office space. Much more leisure, hospitality, business and accommodation are set to following in the coming years.

By Charles Graham

Published 23rd Oct 2023, 15:45 BST

So we thought we’d wind back the clock to see the mills being put to their original uses and also what businesses and other ventures and events have been present tehre more recently. There’s also an artist’s impression of another ambitious Eckersley’s project, although that one never got off the drawing board.

1. Irvin-Diamond clothing manufacturer at No 2 Eckersley's Mill

. Photo: SUBMITTED

2. Callum Eden, left and Matthew Cunliffe, take part in an art workshop at Eckersley's Mills as part of the North by Northwestern festival. Also pictured is artist and class co ordinator Ruth Hesketh

. Photo: Paul Greenwood

3. Richard Foster furniture manufacturer at Eckersley's Mill in 1970

. Photo: SUBMITTED

An artist's impression of how Eckersley Mills would have looked under previous ambitious plans for the site in 2008. This project, which included the creation of a canal marina, never got off the ground though

4. p11 Eckersley Mills plan

An artist's impression of how Eckersley Mills would have looked under previous ambitious plans for the site in 2008. This project, which included the creation of a canal marina, never got off the ground though Photo: submitted

Wigan Victorian