Ugly pageant: Wigan's grottiest eyesores in 2023

We have to admit that Wigan has its share of grot spots as well as its beautiful parks, breath-taking countryside and fine architecture.

By Charles Graham

Published 1st Apr 2023, 04:55 BST

Updated 26th May 2023, 09:50 BST

In this round-up of borough eyesores we highlight 15 of the worst and longest-running examples, although you will read that there is hope that at least some of them will have been struck from this shaming roll call next time round.

It speaks volumes about the changing face of the hospitality industry that so many of these places are derelict pubs, clubs and restaurants.

Here are 15 Wigan grot spots that we hope will one day disappear or enjoy a new lease of life

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Here are 15 Wigan grot spots that we hope will one day disappear or enjoy a new lease of life Photo: submit

No, this isn't a substandard Wigan version of Uluru or the town's entry for the Turner Prize. This mountain of old bricks is in fact all that remains of the former Newtown Labour Club: quite an eyesore in its latter years even when standing, but more unsightly since its demolition several years ago. It sits right next to the soon-to-open new Laithwaite Park football hub and, in its current state, will do the state-of-the-art complex no favours. How long it will remain there has yet to be answered. On November 1 2021 Wigan-based Little Scotland Developments was granted planning permission to build 10 homes and four flats there and had three years from that date to do so. Requests from the company for an update, though, have not received a response, and there's no sign of construction work so far

2. The former Newtown Labour Club

No, this isn't a substandard Wigan version of Uluru or the town's entry for the Turner Prize. This mountain of old bricks is in fact all that remains of the former Newtown Labour Club: quite an eyesore in its latter years even when standing, but more unsightly since its demolition several years ago. It sits right next to the soon-to-open new Laithwaite Park football hub and, in its current state, will do the state-of-the-art complex no favours. How long it will remain there has yet to be answered. On November 1 2021 Wigan-based Little Scotland Developments was granted planning permission to build 10 homes and four flats there and had three years from that date to do so. Requests from the company for an update, though, have not received a response, and there's no sign of construction work so far Photo: Photographer Michelle Adamson

The last time we did a round-up of Wigan eyesores, what used to be Central Park/Pembec/Kingsdown High/Pemberton High etc on Montrose Avenue, Norley was a new addition. It looks worse now, but only because heavy plant is pulling parts of the premises down before a new home for Hope Special School is built there. So things will soon be looking up

3. Central Park

The last time we did a round-up of Wigan eyesores, what used to be Central Park/Pembec/Kingsdown High/Pemberton High etc on Montrose Avenue, Norley was a new addition. It looks worse now, but only because heavy plant is pulling parts of the premises down before a new home for Hope Special School is built there. So things will soon be looking up Photo: Photographer Michelle Adamson

By far the biggest - and saddest - Wigan eyesore has for decades been Eckersley Mills at Wigan Pier. This Victorian hub of the cotton industry has not just stood neglected, but parts have actually crumbled so much that they have had to be demolished. But finally some people with big money and big ideas have moved onto the 17-acre site and are setting about transforming it - further council green lights permitting - into a complex full of offices, hospitality outlets, shops and accommodation

4. Eckersley Mills

By far the biggest - and saddest - Wigan eyesore has for decades been Eckersley Mills at Wigan Pier. This Victorian hub of the cotton industry has not just stood neglected, but parts have actually crumbled so much that they have had to be demolished. But finally some people with big money and big ideas have moved onto the 17-acre site and are setting about transforming it - further council green lights permitting - into a complex full of offices, hospitality outlets, shops and accommodation Photo: Kelvin Stuttard