Wigan Council boss welcomes demolition of local ‘blot’ to make way for development opportunities

Wigan Council’s deputy leader has welcomed the demolition of two gas holders in the town and said their removal could pave the way for “exciting” development opportunities.

The structures, once a “necessary blot” on the local landscape according to Cllr David Molyneux, have been unused since 2011.

As portfolio holder for regeneration and local ward Councillor for Ince, Cllr Molyneux has pushed for their removal for years.

The gas storage holders, located off Darlington Street next to the Chapel Lane car park, are now being dismantled by the National Grid.

The work is part of a UK-wide removal programme. Gas holders are no longer required due to advances that allow gas to be stored in the pipe system or underground.

Cllr Molyneux said: “I would describe the gas holders as being a necessary blot on the landscape for many years.

“Now they are finally being removed we have a really exciting opportunity for new development in this key part of town. The presence of the gas infrastructure has been a major constraint on redevelopment opportunities.”

He continued: “This location is close to the town centre and key road links as well as being close to the west coast mainline.

“Once the demolition and removal of the infrastructure is complete we look forward to helping to move this site forward and realising its potential.”

Wigan Council, as part of its Economic Prospectus, is looking to create 10k jobs and 10k homes over the next decade.

The authority said the redevelopment of brownfield land is a priority for achieving that goal.