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Green light for Haigh Hall hotel plan

Plans to turn historic Haigh Hall near Wigan into a boutique hotel and spa have approved.

With the estate in need of multi-million pound investment, Wigan Council’s planning committee has given the green light to a scheme submitted by Contessa Hotels to restore the Grade II* listed hall to its former glory.

The authority will continue to own the hall which will be leased to Contessa Hotels and turned into a luxury four-star boutique hotel complete with 30 en-suite bedrooms, a spa and a fitness centre.

The development will also include a new car park, access off Higher Lane, landscaping and an additional ceremony room located on the roof of the hotel also form part of the plans.

The £6 million restoration of Haigh Hall is at the centre of a wider regeneration masterplan for Haigh Woodland Park, which includes a new family adventure zone with a high ropes area and an innovative adventure golf course, improved footpaths and heritage trails and a kitchen courtyard within the existing Stables Courtyard.

On completion of the scheme, Haigh Hall will be removed from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register, which aims to protect and manage the historic environment.

Councillor David Molyneux, deputy leader of Wigan Council, said: “This is a really important step in securing the future of Haigh Hall.

“As part of the plans, the hall’s original features will be brought back to life and areas that are off limits will be brought back into use.

“This is a really exciting time for residents across the borough, many of whom will have fond memories of the hall, despite not being able to access much of the building. The restoration of the hall, together with the improvements to the grounds, will mean residents will have more opportunity to enjoy Haigh Woodland Park.

“Our main priority now is to finalise the plans to enable the work to begin as soon as possible.”

Wigan Council’s planning department has been working closely with Contessa Hotels and consulting conservation bodies, Historic England and The Georgian Group to develop plans which aim to protect and preserve the hall’s rich heritage.

Craig Baker, Director of Contessa Hotels, said: “The whole team couldn’t be happier. We are very much looking forward to getting started.”

Haigh Hall and Country Park is a major visitor destination attracting around 300,000 visits each year, and research indicates that enhancing the site could attract even more visitors and bring extra revenue to the area.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .