Winstanley Hall, a Tudor-era Grade II listed building in Wigan, has become the center of a heated debate over proposed development around the historic site.
The plans, submitted by developer Kingswood Homes, would see hundreds of homes built on surrounding Green Belt land, alongside the Hall itself being converted into private flats.
Kingswood Homes has presented the project as an “enabling development”, designed to fund the restoration of Winstanley Hall. The scheme includes:
- Restoration and conversion of the Hall into 36 apartments and houses, with some community space.
- Construction of around 400–450 new homes on the surrounding Green Belt land.
- Creation of green spaces, woodland walks, and a public community orchard.
The developers argue that the financial viability of the Hall’s restoration depends on revenue from the new homes, and that the development would bring both heritage preservation and community benefits to Wigan.
But campaigners have voiced strong objections. They highlight that the Hall restoration under the plan is not traditional:
“The proposal would retain the outer façade while removing much of the historic interior and inserting a new structure inside, converting the building into private flats rather than restoring it as a heritage building.” Campaigner Cate Murdock.
The action group has been in touch with me with these concerns:
- The houses would be built before the Hall restoration begins, potentially leading to permanent loss of Green Belt land with no guaranteed timeline for heritage works.
- The Hall itself would become private flats with limited public access, despite being promoted as a heritage benefit.
- There may be flood risk, environmental impact, and pressure on local infrastructure, echoing concerns from other recent developments in the borough.
- FOI and environmental information requests submitted to Wigan Council remain unanswered for several months, leaving some questions about how the scheme was developed.
Kingswood Homes maintain that the project represents the best chance to save the Hall from further decay, providing funding for both restoration and public access improvements. They emphasize that public consultations have informed aspects of the plans, and that the development would bring much-needed housing to the borough.
Wigan Council has yet to make a final decision. A council spokesperson confirmed that all submissions and objections will be carefully reviewed before a planning committee considers the proposals. Both supporters and campaigners are engaging with the consultation process to ensure their voices are heard.
Winstanley Hall’s future remains uncertain, caught between preservation concerns and development pressures. Residents, historians, and developers all agree on the building’s value, but the path to balancing heritage, housing, and environmental considerations is proving contentious.
History of Winstanley Hall
Winstanley Hall is a Tudor-era manor built around 1573 by the Winstanley family, who were prominent landowners in the area. Over the centuries, it has been home to generations of the Winstanleys and later other local families, serving as a focal point of the community and a symbol of Wigan’s historic heritage.
However, the Hall has suffered significant neglect in recent decades. After falling out of use in the 20th century, it has been left largely unoccupied, leading to severe structural decay. Roofs have collapsed in parts, windows have been broken or boarded up, and the interiors have deteriorated, leaving much of the once-grand building at risk of complete loss.
Historic features such as ornate fireplaces, wooden beams, and original stonework have been damaged or are under threat, prompting urgent calls from heritage groups and residents for action to save what remains of this important building.
Today, Winstanley Hall stands as both a reminder of Wigan’s rich history and a cautionary tale of what can happen when historic buildings are left unprotected.
I will be following this story closely and speaking to all parties involved, including residents, campaigners, and developers, to provide updates as the plans for Winstanley Hall and its surrounding land progress.
I know how important history and heritage are. Wigan has lost many significant buildings over the years, so it is vital that this site is restored in the right way. At the same time, I know how crucial Green Belt land is to our communities, I love getting out into open spaces and nature, and we need to be protected from overdevelopment.
Any plans for this area should carefully balance these factors, so as I’ve said, I will be following this closely.
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