£6m project to transform Wigan’s Haigh Hall into four-star hotel and fitness centre

Work on a multi-million project to turn Wigan’s Haigh Hall into a four-star boutique hotel is now underway.

Wigan Council and leisure operator Contessa Hotels signed a partnership earlier this week to mark the start of the £6m transformation, which will see the Grade II-listed building become a 30-bedroom hotel along with a spa and fitness suite.

The authority’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy, Cllr David Molynuex, said: “We’re delighted to have finalised this partnership with Contessa Hotels, marking the start of a new era for Haigh Hall.

“This deal secures a thriving future for the building and ensures it can continue to be enjoyed by members of the public now and for years to come.”

He added: “The hotel will also play a huge part in our wider plans to transform Haigh Woodland Park into one of the region’s top tourist destinations, boosting the local economy and reducing the maintenance burden for taxpayers by £8m over the next decade.”

Following the refurbishment of the hall, investment for which is provided by Contessa, Wigan Council will remain the site’s owner and landlord.

Wigan Council’s cabinet member for leisure, Cllr Paul Kenny, commented: “Haigh Hall has long been known as the ‘jewel in Wigan’s crown’, with the site holding memories for many people who have grown up in the borough, whether they remember playing in the park as a child or celebrating their wedding at the hall.

“It is fantastic that we have been able to strike up this partnership with Contessa Hotels and invest in the site during difficult economic times.”

He continued: “I’m looking forward to seeing the project coming to fruition and see the sparkle put back into this fabulous building.”

The project’s opening phase will begin transforming Haigh Hall’s ground-level ballroom and restaurant by mid-July, while phase two will complete the first 12 guest rooms by Autumn 2017.

Contessa director Craig Baker said: “We are really pleased to be investing in Haigh Hall and excited to get the project moving.

“This time has been integral for planning for the different phases of development and some work has already started in certain rooms in the hall and the difference is staggering.”

The work on hall forms part of a £12m masterplan to revamp the entire Haigh Woodland Park, including the creation of a new adventure play area and further infrastructure improvements.