Flats plan for landmark borough building

A former sports bar in the borough could soon be turned into flats.

The 180 Club was a much-loved community space on Railway Road in Leigh.

Developer Murree Homes wants to convert the building into 24 apartments and has lodged an application with Wigan Council.

Supporting documents read: “The building was elected for sale by auction in June 2019.

“Historically, the building was built in the 1890s and used by the Conservative Club and functioned as a Conservative Club and picture house well into the 1960s.

“The picture house closed and a ballroom/dance facility continued until recent times when the former Conservative Club provided simple licensed premises, snooker hall and Sky Sports bar up until its recent closure.”

The application says the development aims to provide commercial and rental income from the re-use and regeneration of a “significant” landmark property.

It is proposed to manage residential letting for the property which will be leased or rented to private tenants. The owner may consider for sale on the open market each of the apartments.

A number of pubs and bars and cafes lie nearby, including The First and Last, Spinning Jenny, Railway Pub, Hogans Bar, Cafe Stella, Waterside Inn and Bar Quays.

The documents read: “At present the building is vacant.

“The building still retains high level of significance externally, particularly the front elevation and the proposed scheme will not affect this significance .

“There is an opportunity to enhance significance by bringing the building back into use, to help maintain its presence in the town and continue to contribute positively to the streetscene in the area.

The documents add: “It is considered that in this town centre location the loss of the previous facility is acceptable in policy terms.”