Protecting Wigan Borough's heritage

Protecting Wigan Borough's heritage

Wigan Council is asking for views on proposed updates to the Wigan Pier Quarter and Ashton-in-Makerfield conservation areas.

Conservation areas are identified for their special architectural or historic interest and being recognised as one of these areas means there are more controls in place, to ensure it is protected for the future.

Councillor Lawrence Hunt, lead member for heritage and building conservation, said “These are two of our borough’s 23 conservation areas. These appraisals identify what is special about the areas and so what needs protecting for the future.

“It is good practice to review conservation areas in order to understand what has changed and how they should evolve in the future.

“The Wigan Pier and Ashton conservation areas were last reviewed in 2002 and 2007 respectively, so it is good news that they are being refreshed now.

“These conservation areas add an important layer of protection for how a place looks and feels, for example influencing the design new development.

“There are a few boundary changes proposed as part of these appraisals, and I’d encourage anyone interested in these areas or the heritage of borough to take a look and give us your views.”

Wigan Pier is recognised as having key historic value as part of Wigan Borough’s industrial past, while Ashton’s conservation focuses on the character provided by its prominent architecture.

The consultations are available online via wigan.gov.uk/consultations and are open until Sunday 24 September.

There will also be two public drop-in events where people are welcome to drop in, view the draft documents and have their say:

• Wigan Pier Quarter, Tuesday September, 5, from 12.30pm – 3.30pm at ‘Pier 4’, Wigan Pier
• Ashton-in-Makerfield, Wednesday September, 6, from 9.30am – 12.30pm at Ashton Library.