Wigan Roller Rink is set to close its doors in August, with the venue confirming the news in a statement shared on social media this week.
The rink, based at the former Eckersley Mill site, now known as the Cotton Works on Swan Meadow Road, has been part of Wigan’s scene for decades and is well known within the skating community across the North West.
In a post on Facebook, the rink said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the closure of our business. A decision has been made by the landlords which forces us to close.
“What started as a skating rink became so much more – a home for skaters, friendships, memories and a community we will cherish forever. This truly feels like the end of an era, and it is impossible to put into words how grateful we are for every single person who supported us along the way.”
Dawn and Gary added “although this chapter is ending, the memories, friendships and impact of this community will stay with us forever.”
They also confirmed the last skating day would be Monday 31st August, and extra skating sessions will be put on in the run up to the last day.
The closure is linked to the wider Cotton Works regeneration project being carried out by The Heaton Group.
Lee Dalgleish, commercial property manager of The Heaton Group, said:
“We’re all saddened by the prospect of Wigan Roller Rink closing and understand how important it is to its customers, families and community groups.
“While the current lease will come to an end as part of our redevelopment plans for that part of the site, we hope the rink can find a new home and avoid closure. We have already engaged with Wigan Council to see whether a new home for the rink could be found.
“Our original Cotton Works plans from 2023 did include the construction of a new rink, but due to significant increases in build costs, this is no longer financially viable for us to deliver or for an operator to lease on a long-term basis.
“We carefully explored whether the existing rink could remain open during the next phase of the Cotton Works development. Unfortunately, this would require customers, including children and families, to access it through a live building site. We cannot create a safe entrance in those circumstances, and health and safety must come first.
“We appreciate this has been a difficult time for Dawn and Gary and everyone connected with the rink. We are open to facilitating discussions with any parties who may be able to help secure a future for skating in the town.
“Cotton Works is a £250m regeneration project which is set to bring 1,200 new jobs to Wigan. The next phases are now progressing, including new commercial spaces and an Assisted Living Quarter, delivering much needed specialist homes as part of the wider regeneration of the site.”
The news has prompted a strong reaction online, with many people sharing memories of visiting the rink over the years. More than 2,700 people have already signed an online petition to save it.
