Spotlight On Wigan

Wigan is the second largest town in Greater Manchester, standing on the River Douglas halfway between Liverpool and Manchester. Although not mentioned in the Domesday Book records are available from 1246.

Most people are aware of its more recent industrial history as a centre for coal mining and a mill town producing cotton and textiles.

It comes as a surprise to many that Wigan has a pier. Piers normally conjure up mental pictures of sleepy seaside towns, but Wigan’s pier is a wharf on the Leeds Liverpool canal, and a relic of its industrial past. In 1937, Wigan was featured in George Orwell’s The Road to Wigan Pier which told of the difficult living and working conditions of the population at that time. This introduced an element of fame to the town which then brought in a modest tourist industry.

History has resulted in the town being represented in a number of architectural styles featuring many listed buildings. However in recent years there have been moves to modernise the town centre and shopping areas, sweeping away some of the remnants of the industrial revolution, but retaining its northern market town appeal

There has been a major redevelopment of the pier, now the Wigan Pier Quarter. What was Trencherfield Mill at the centre of the area is now a hotel, restaurant, shopping and apartment complex, but still includes the largest working steam mill engine in England.

For leisure. The town is home to numerous pubs and varied restaurants.

The Wigan Life Centre opened in 2011 housing a large swimming pool and fitness suite as well as office accommodation for Wigan Council.

The DW stadium is home to Wigan Warriors Rugby league team, the most successful rugby league team of all time, and Wigan Athletic football team that were the 2013 FA Cup holders and enjoyed Premiership football between 2005 and 2013

For culture. Every July, Wigan is host to the World famous Wigan Jazz Festival. Next year 2015, will be the 30th event. Headline acts from all over the World come to town to play. This year featured Jools Holland and his Orchestra

The former Wigan Central Library became the Museum of Wigan life in 1878. A full restoration began in 2009.

The Library built in 2012 is superb facility

In the heart of the town centre, the parish church of All Saints presides over its neighbours. A look inside reveals a surprisingly light interior with sunshine flooding in through the magnificent stained glass windows to illuminate the ornate carvings. The Crawford Lady Chapel has ancient stories to tell, whereas the Walmesley Chapel was bequeathed to the church as recently as 1955.

For shopping. Market Place area is now an attractive place with its black and white Tudor style buildings leaning seemingly precariously towards one another, decked out in the summer with a profusion of colorful hanging baskets. The pedestrianised area is a delightful place to shop. New arcades and indoor markets continue to be developed.

The red brick buildings on Library Street which glow warmly in the sunshine are a far cry from the industrial revolution when it could be assumed that they were black.

One of the largest Asda Superstores in the UK can be found at the Robin Park retail outlet

For days out. With the children, you can visit Haigh Hall, built on the site of a mediaeval manor house. The hall is surrounded by a 250-acre country park, featuring areas of woodland.

Mesnes Park boasts a pavilion and a lake. The park has recently been restored and receives two million visitors a year.

For families. There are well performing primary schools leading to a choice of secondary schools all of whom have received positive comments from Ofsted.

For the commuter. There is excellent access to the M6, M61 and M58. There are two railway stations. Wigan North Western on the north south West Coast line provides direct links to London, Birmingham, Carlisle and Edinburgh. Wigan Wallgate serves lines running east and west with regular local services to Liverpool and Manchester.

AskAlan: If you are a seller or a buyer, a landlord or a tenant and you want any personal confidential advice about any property related matters email me at alan@alanbatt.co.uk