'Underground bunker cinema' and 'world class dining' planned in multi-million pound overhaul of historic Greater Manchester hall
20.09.2022 - 21:05
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
An underground bunker cinema, world class dining experience, astronomy displays and the transformation of a derelict zoo are all planned in a huge overhaul of Wigan's historic Haigh Hall. The £37.5 million project is set to restore and expand the historic site ‘to its former glory’.
The hall, which was built around 1840, stands as an iconic building amid the picturesque surroundings of Haigh Woodland Park. In recent years its played a role on the small screen, popping up as a location in popular Sky comedy-drama Brassic.
A derelict zoo on School Lane, just off the main complex, is set to be transformed into a new visitors attraction and learning centre. The new ‘multi purpose garden pavilion’ and education and training hubs will provide more activity space. The works will include a 16 space car park.
The former zoo on School Lane closed in the 1990’s and has been left vacant ever since.
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The overarching project has seen a huge amount of funding pumped into the historic site to make much needed repairs to all aspects of the building and ‘transform’ it into a community space. Haigh Hall itself is currently undergoing a massive refurbishment in connection with these other regeneration works.
According to the Wigan Council plans, a new world class dining experience, an underground bunker cinema, an art gallery for ‘Theodore Major’s visionary work’, and a rooftop terrace for astronomy are all set to become a reality. In addition to the ‘five floor masterplan’ to restore the hall itself, the derelict gateway lodges are set for a revamp as well.
Dubbed as ‘unsafe and unwelcoming’ by the council, the entrance buildings will be