One of Wigan's worst eyesores is finally being flattened to make way for homes

It has offended the eye for many years, but a derelict former Wigan restaurant will be reduced to rubble in the coming days as plans to create homes there are finally executed.

A decade has elapsed since the Shanghai Palace on Poolstock closed its doors and three years since planning permission was granted to Homelife Holdings Limited to turn the site into 30 affordable homes: 24 supported living apartments and six bungalows.

But in recent days a demolition crew has moved onto the site and begun dismantling the premises which have been the target of arsonists and vandals on numerous occasions since it closed.

While never an architectural marvel, the building has had a long and fond association with hospitality, having in previous incarnations been The Beer Engine and, before that, Poolstock Labour Club.

It may be the end of an era, but there have also been mixed feelings about the complex that will replace it.

The site will provide accommodation for people with assessed social care needs, such as disabilities, autism and mental health problems which caused some consternation from locals when writing letters of objection.

There were also complaints about the height of the apartment block which will run to three storeys, as well as the traffic that would be generated in the area.

Several locals wrote to say that this would be out of keeping with other buildings in the area, not least the nearby church of St Thomas and St James, while blocking out sunlight to neighbouring homes.

But the new site being more than 17m away from the nearest property meant that this complied with planning regulations, Wigan Council’s planning committee heard before approving the blueprint in June 2023.

Coun John Harding said: “I am looking at this and there are a few things not mentioned which are positive. The fact it is 100 per cent affordable housing is really positive.

“I think this creates a much more pleasant street scene than the derelict Shanghai Palace. The important thing is that the application does follow the legal requirements.

“I do have sympathy for the objectors but we have to make our decision based on the framework otherwise we’re not doing our jobs as a committee.”

Affordable homes are in dire need in the borough and this was wholly welcomed by the majority of the committee.

The idea that this site could be transformed and put back into use for the good of the community as accommodation was something that was too good an opportunity to pass up for Coun Fred Walker.

He said: “It’s a real eyesore.

“Although people never want change, and no one ever does, this is exactly like that. This isn’t a negative, it is a plus, it is adding value to that neighbourhood.”

Due to the accommodation block replacing an old restaurant and bowling green, Wigan Council demanded that the developer gives £61,000 in Section 106 contributions.

This money would cover footpath improvements and landscaping works at Wigan Flashes, new play and sport improvements at Alexandra Park and Laithwaite Park in Newtown as well as bowling green improvements in the local area.