Plan to transform Wigan's Haigh Hall into an arts and cultural centre
Plans have been revealed to transform Haigh Hall in Wigan into an arts, culture and heritage visitor destination of national significance.
The masterplan, which was developed following conversations with residents last autumn, features a vast collection by the Wigan born visionary artist Theodore Major worth £200m.
In September 2021, residents were invited to Haigh Hall to share their memories and dreams for the future during a month-long conversation.
Almost 800 people people came ideas to inspire and shape the masterplan of the hall considered by many to be the jewel in Wigan's crown, with many calling for the return of the land train.
Creative Director’s Al and Al, said: “The vast majority of people want to see Haigh Hall become a beacon of culture, celebrating its magnificent heritage.
"Since the first conversation last autumn, we have worked closely with the family estate of Theodore Major and secured £200 million pounds of treasure created by one of the greatest artists of the 20th Century who was born and worked his entire life capturing life in Wigan."
Councillor Chris Ready, cabinet member for leisure and culture at Wigan Council, said:
"Haigh Hall belongs to the people of Wigan and since bringing the hall back under the council’s control we are doing everything we can to protect the hall for our future generations, which includes securing funding.
During the conversation, residents revealed:
85.5% want culture and heritage in Haigh Hall
Hospitality, with restaurant, cafe and bar will also form large part of the offer with 63% speaking of its importance.
51% of people want to celebrate special occasions at the hall with the family, weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries.
As part of the cultural visitor destination, the masterplan includes an underground tunnel experience with a bunker cinema and cellar bar, a terrace café, a rooftop celestial bar, a restaurant, events, and performance space.
The masterplan will be available for residents to view and comment on from Friday 13 May when the doors to Haigh Hall open once again. Paper copies will be available inside the hall and online. Residents will be asked to complete a short survey to give their feedback on the masterplan.
The masterplan and feedback from the conversation will be submitted to government as part of Wigan's bid to the Levelling Up Funding in July.
Wigan is applying for £20m to bring the masterplan to life, with match funding from the council.
The Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor David Molyneux, commented: “We were extremely disappointed to miss out on Level Up funding last year, particularly as the borough was identified as a ‘priority place’.
“The plans for Haigh Hall will bring important economic benefits to the borough through our Community Wealth Building programme, with local contractors helping us to transform the building and local employment opportunities available".
Wigan Council has committed £4m from its own budget for external repairs to the fabric of the hall, with listed building consent submitted earlier this year.
A bid for £4m will be submitted to the National Lottery Heritage Fund this month to improve the park, with £2m council match funding already agreed. Proposals include restoring the Plantation Gates and Lodges and old cottages behind the walled gardens.