A £12 million master plan to transform Haigh Hall and Country Park into one of the region’s top tourist destinations has been unveiled.
The new ‘Haigh Woodland Park’ will include a £6 million restoration of the Grade II listed hall into a four-star boutique hotel, which will boost the local economy by £30 million and increase visitor numbers to 500,000 per year.
Wigan Council will also invest around £4 million in infrastructure improvements and new attractions within the 250 acres of woodland surrounding the hall, with phase one of the plans expected to be completed within 18 months. The deal will also reduce the maintenance burden for Wigan Borough taxpayers by £8 million over the next decade.
Highlights of the master plan
- A £6 million transformation of Haigh Hall by Contessa Hotels into a luxury four star boutique hotel, complete with 30 bedrooms, a spa and fitness centre
- Creating a Kitchen Courtyard within the existing Stables block. Providing a base for some of the region’s best artisan food and drink producers
- Construction of a new family adventure zone with exciting new play equipment; a high ropes area and an innovative adventure golf course
- Improved footpaths, heritage trails and bike routes with a new cycle centre on site
- Improved infrastructure such as car parking, toilets and signage around the whole site
- A comprehensive set of conservation and woodland management plans, supported through major funding bids to regenerate, protect and promote the park’s many heritage assets and the famous plantations.
Cllr David Molyneux, deputy leader of Wigan Council and cabinet member for the economy, said:
“Today is probably the most exciting day since the council bought the hall almost 70 years ago. The plans we have unveiled will put Haigh on the list of the top visitor attractions in the North West, creating jobs and restoring the hall for future generations to enjoy. We are delighted to be working in partnership with a top quality organisation such as Contessa, they have a great track record of lovingly restoring buildings such as Haigh Hall and we’re excited about what they have planned.”
Investment by Contessa Hotels
Investment for the hall itself will come directly from Contessa Hotels. Contessa have a reputation for revitalising similar buildings, such as their sympathetic restoration of the five star Hillbark Hotel on The Wirral.
Craig Baker, Director of Contessa Hotels, said:
“We are delighted to be part of such an engaging and unique project as Haigh Woodland Park. The building is steeped in history and we are excited about restoring Haigh Hall and transforming it back to its very finest, truly opening the doors to its adoring public 365 days a year. Haigh Hall is such an iconic structure in the region and we look forward to introducing the Hall to our Contessa portfolio.”
Weddings currently booked for Haigh Hall will not be affected by this announcement and Haigh Hall will continue to take bookings throughout its restoration.
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