Haigh Hall receives planning consent

Set within 250 acres of public parkland and woodland, Haigh Hall has been granted consent for a programme of restoration, repair and sensitive redevelopment. The approval marks a significant step forward in securing the long-term future of this heritage asset and its surrounding landscape, which is currently on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register.

Appointed in 2019 by Wigan Council, Purcell developed a comprehensive masterplan for the estate, centred on conserving its historic character while enhancing its role as a vibrant and accessible community destination. The approved proposals place heritage and community use at their core, reimagining the 18th century Hall as a multi-functional space for a wide range of visitors. 

The Hall will accommodate a mix of uses, including a restaurant, café, gallery and education spaces, alongside a new rooftop bar. These proposals will create a balanced and sustainable offer, supporting both community access and long-term viability. Public access will also be significantly improved, opening up areas of the building that have previously been inaccessible, including the rooftop and basement. 

Alongside these new uses, the scheme includes essential conservation and repair works to address long-standing maintenance issues and to secure the building’s future. Early investigations and targeted repair works have already been undertaken, particularly to the roof, where water ingress and timber decay had affected the structure. 

The project has been shaped by extensive engagement with local residents, park users, community groups and stakeholders, alongside close collaboration with Atkins Realis, Witherford Watson Mann, Exterior Architecture, Cundall and IM2, ensuring that the future of Haigh Hall reflects both its historic significance and its importance to the people who use it every day.  

Together, the approved proposals represent a carefully considered balance between conservation and change, preserving Haigh Hall’s rich heritage whilst creating an ambitious arts, culture and heritage destination.