The rich history of a Wigan park will be brought to life in a dazzling art exhibition as part of its multi-million pound transformation.

The grade II*-listed Plantation Gates and lodges at Haigh Woodland Park are being renovated as part of the wider improvement project across the estate.

It has now been revealed that the North Lodge at Plantation Gates will house a new installation designed by Ashton-based animator and technologist James Hooton, alongside creative director and artist Leo Mercer.

Revealed: the millions of pounds of unpaid council tax owed by Wigan residents

Wigan Council leader David Molyneux, Coun Chris Ready and others at Plantation Gates

They previously produced pieces for Light Up Lancaster, The Lowry and National Trust, specialising in visual storytelling through light projections and sound.

It will feature aspects of Haigh’s rich history, biodiversity and natural beauty, marking a new era for the historic buildings on Wigan Lane.

Coun Chris Ready, Wigan Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “It’s exciting to see the lodges at Plantation Gates being brought into use.

“This immersive installation will provide a glimpse of the history of the site, alongside contemporary stories, and we’re delighted that one of the artists delivering it is local.”

A research period will soon begin to inform the aspects of Haigh’s history that will be seen in the installation, ahead of the opening in the summer.

Mr Hooton said: "It's such a privilege to create an immersive experience in a place I fondly remember visiting as a child.

“I’m excited to create something that will add magical memories for future visitors and it's great to be doing creative work in my local area again.’’

As part of the major refurbishment project, the South Lodge will become a visitor information point for the park.

Elsewhere on the estate, work continues in the Bothy Yard to restore the buildings and yard, creating a horticulture hub as well as spaces for events and education.

The kitchen garden will reopen to the public with a new glasshouse, containing a central atrium for events, with wings for growing a range of edible and ornamental plants.

A comet play trail will land at Haigh soon and a forest school and coffee kiosk will be added at a new woodland hub.

External work on Haigh Hall has been completed and a planning application for the internal work has been submitted.

The hall is due to open in 2028.