New hotel slowly begins to emerge

The bid was the latest hurdle developers Contessa Hotels had to clear while restoration works continue at the landmark.

Councillors granted the 24-hour alcohol licence this week granting permission to serve in a public bar, ballroom bar and restaurant on the ground floor, a private dining room on the first floor plus a rooftop terrace and ceremony room on the third floor.

Conditions were imposed including a restriction on the use of beer garden or outdoor areas between 11pm and 7am and a “challenge 25” policy to prevent underage sales.

Staff will be expected to regularly monitor noise levels “where it is likely to cause disturbance to local residents.”

Planning permission for the £6m restoration of the hall was granted last year and is at the centre of wider project for the Haigh Woodland Park.

The masterplan will see the 19th century hall, often referred to as the jewel in Wigan’s crown, become a boutique hotel and spa with 30 en-suite bedrooms and a fitness centre.

The transformation of the park will reduce the maintenance burden for Wigan borough tax-payers by £8m over the next decade, town hall bosses have previously said.

Speaking in June, Craig Baker, Director of Contessa Hotels, said: “We are really pleased to be investing in Haigh Hall and excited to get the project moving.

“This time has been integral for planning and development and some work has already started in certain rooms.”

Coun David Molyneux, deputy leader of the council, said: “The hotel will also play a huge part in our wider plans to transform Haigh Woodland Park in to one of the region’s top tourist destinations and boosting the local economy.”