Apartment plan will further boost Wigan Pier site

The 45 new apartments will be built in what is currently Victoria Mills building - and former home of Shearings Holidays - in Miry Lane.

Work will begin next month to convert the premises into a mix of studio, one-bed and two-bed flats, with a completion date earmarked for early 2019.

Each apartment will be finished to a high standard, including a modern fitted kitchen and contemporary bathroom. Parking spaces will also be available on selected units. They will be priced between £79,995 for a studio apartment and over £104k for two-bedroom flats.

Andy Phillips, commercial director at Knight Knox, who are marketing the complex, said: “With property prices and rents in Manchester city centre on an upward trajectory, this offers investors the chance to invest in the UK’s most promising rental market at a fraction of the cost.

“We anticipate that areas such as Wigan will continue to become more popular alongside the growth of Manchester, mirroring the trend of commuter town price rises around London.

“The population of Wigan is predicted to grow enormously over the coming years, with approximately 20,000 new homes being required by 2035. Despite this, only 10,000 are set to be built, meaning that house prices and rental values are sure to increase.”

Kieran Moore, director at Centric Developments, said: “Wallgate Apartments is set to be an excellent addition to the growing commuter belt surrounding Manchester.”

The proposals are yet another component to the regeneration of the area, across the world famous Wigan Pier which is set to be transformed into a multi-leisure destination.

Plans were announced last month to turn the derelict 18th century buildings into a mixed-use venue for arts and cultural events, and is hoped to be a catalyst for wider development in the area.