The History Shop has secured £1.9 million funding to totally refurbish the building and its facilities. A successful application to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) secured £500,000 towards its restoration and access improvements.
The following capital works will take place:
External fabric
- Repairs to the chimneys
- Installation of a temporary scaffold roof to assist in the full strip and repair of the roof
- Repairs to parapet walls, gutters and rainwater goods
- Structural repairs to the Rodney Street elevation
- Repairs to brickwork and stonework
- Refurbishment of the windows and specialist repairs to the stained glass windows
- Full repoint and clean of the building elevations
- Restoration of the railings at the Library Street elevation
Internal refurbishments and access works
- Improvements to the entrance including a new ramp and waiting area for groups
- New counter, retail space and temporary exhibition area
- Introduction of a platform lift and staircase to provide an accessible route to the Taylor Gallery
- Full redecoration of the ground floor exhibition space
- Improved toilet facilities including accessible and baby change facilities
- Refurbishment of the existing staircase
- Full redecoration of the Taylor Gallery
- Improved IT equipment and study furniture within the Taylor Gallery bays
- New counter to provide a contact point in the Taylor Gallery
- Introduction of a contemporary lighting system to improve the lighting within the Taylor Gallery and provide the task lighting required within the study bays
Exhibitions - A new permanent exhibition and series of temporary exhibitions will be on display at The History Shop
- The permanent exhibition will explore the history of the borough, creating a snese of place, identity and pride in local people
- As part of the permanent exhibition, topics such as the war, sporting success, folklore, local customs and the history of the pre-1974 boroughs will be explored
- A series of temporary exhibitions will be on display exploring different aspects of the borough's history and providing a venue for small touring exhibitions
- Temporary exhibitions are also expected to be generated in conjunction with local heritage groups as part of the 'Curating in the Community' outreach work
Research Area Improvements
For those wishing to trace their family tree, the gallery also has a well equipped genealogical study area. State-of-the-art computer and micro-form readers and printers will be available.
During its temporary closure for refurbishment, The History Shop will be offering an interim service at Wigan Library, College Avenue, WN1 1NN (01942 828128). Further services will continue at Heritage Archives (Leigh Town Hall, 01942 404431) and Leigh Local History (Leigh Library 01942 404559)
