Local Life - Wigan - August 2021

39
Haigh’s Back!
Ownership of Haigh Hall reverted to Wigan Council on the
18th June, and early proposals its future look promising.
Described as the ‘jewel in the borough’s crown’, early
proposals for the hall’s future will see it restored to its
former glory 150 years ago, say Wigan Council, when the
25th Earl of Crawford, Alexander Lindsay lived there with
his wife, Elizabeth, but unlike Lindsay, the council will
need to secure external funding to turn the proposals
into a reality.
In March the National Heritage Lottery Fund awarded
Wigan Council £256k to explore the second phase of the
Haigh Woodland Park project, which is hoped will result in
a £6m project of improvements to the visitor experience
in the woodland park.
Discussions are being held about the importance of the
Hall alongside that investment.
If funding is agreed, the proposals will reveal hidden
histories and resurrect lost stories.
From the Hall’s library which housed the largest private
collection of precious manuscripts, rare books and bibles
in Britain, all the way down to the underground network
of cellars which are a maze of medieval remains and
tunnels.
The Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor David Molyneux,
welcomed the plans, commenting: “I am delighted that
we’ve got the hall back in the hands of the people and
excited to see what the future holds. The hall is a special
place where many cherished memories have been made
and where they will continue to be made for years to
come.”
Over the next few months, proposals will be developed in
more detail in consultation with residents.
One of the first projects is the creation of a contemplation
garden next to the plantation gates, which if approved
will provide a quiet space for reflection, particularly for
those visiting the hospital opposite.
A pilot scheme for a Sunday bus service has also received
approval – helping to give more residents the opportunity
to enjoy the already popular visitor destination.
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