Heaton Group reveals £180m vision for Eckersley Mills

Proposals for the grade two-listed complex include a further 817 residential units, a 120-bedroom hotel, and a roller rink.

The Heaton Group has lodged its latest plans with Wigan Council for the regeneration of the 17-acre Eckersley Mills site off Meadow Road.

Plans form the third phase of of the Wigan-based group’s wider £180m masterplan for the transformation of the Victorian cotton mills.

The first phase is already under construction, as Mill One becomes a mixed-use building with 80,000 sq ft of offices, a rooftop restaurant, a food hall, and a microbrewery. Plans for Mill Three were approved in June for its conversion into 137 apartments.

Plans form the third phase of Heaton Group’s masterplan for the site. Credit: via Viva

Designed by Fletcher-Rae Architects, the scheme would see the demolition of various buildings including Mill Two, the former welfare building, the former 1884 reeling room, and Mill One’s weaving sheds.

Another former reeling block, as well as the winding block and offices on site would be retained and redeveloped.

The former reeling block would provide a 2,100 sq ft roller rink and events area, alongside 16,200 sq ft of commercial space.

In total, 13 commercial units ranging from 200 sq ft to 3,000 sq ft are proposed to be delivered within the former winding block and office building.

Heaton Group also wants outline permission to build 817 homes across five blocks, which would bring the total of homes across the site to 954. There are also plans for a 120-bedroom hotel and two commercial units totalling 4,600 sq ft, as well as a 289-space multi-storey car park.

Proposals feature 505 one-, 280 two-, and 32 three-bedroom homes, including 121 later living residences.

Fletcher-Rae Architects designed the scheme. Credit: via Viva

John Heaton, managing director of Heaton Group, said: “We’ve spoken to residents and key stakeholders from the council, Homes England and Historic England, and the local MP to explain our thoughts and take in their comments and feedback.

“For us as a Wigan-based business, we know that this site has been neglected for far too long and our plans will bring new life to an important site”, he continued.

“They will provide significant benefits for the whole town, providing high-quality facilities everyone will be able to enjoy.”

Paul Butler Associates is the scheme’s planning and heritage consultant. The project team also includes Rachel Hacking Ecology, Salford Archaeology, Exterior Architecture, Quality Engineering Design, Temple Group, Andy Maw Design, and JBA Consulting.

Those interested in learning more about Heaton Group and its projects can visit heatongroup.co.uk to get involved.

Want to learn more about the plans? Search for application number A/23/95983/MAJES on Wigan Council’s planning portal.