The redevelopment of Winstanley Hall is about far more than restoring a historic building or providing new homes. It is about bringing back into use a long-lost feature of the Winstanley area, creating new opportunities for local people and opening up a space that has never before been accessible to the public. This project will reconnect the community with its history, its green spaces, and a part of Wigan’s heritage that has been hidden from view for decades.
At the heart of the plans is a new Heritage Centre, positioned near Pemberton Road, which will act as a welcoming gateway to the wider estate. This centre will celebrate the story of Winstanley Hall, providing visitors with insight into its origins, architecture, and restoration journey. It will also serve as a social hub for the local community, offering flexible indoor and outdoor spaces for exhibitions, educational activities, and local events. The inclusion of a coffee hatch will make the Heritage Centre a relaxed meeting point for residents, walkers, and visitors, encouraging regular use and strengthening community ties.
For the first time in history, the development will allow public access to Winstanley Hall and part of it’s surrounding parkland, opening up acres of natural beauty that have been closed off for generations. Walking routes, green corridors, and designated recreational areas will provide space for people to enjoy the outdoors, promoting wellbeing and a deeper connection with the local environment. This accessibility marks a major milestone in the hall’s long story, transforming it from a forgotten private estate into a vibrant community destination.
Another exciting feature of the development is the creation of a Community Orchard at Winstanley Hall, complete with picnic areas where families can relax, learn, and enjoy nature. The orchard will provide a space for local schools, groups, and residents to come together, plant trees, and take part in seasonal activities. Over time, it will grow into a living symbol of regeneration — a place where people can literally see the fruits of their community’s efforts.
Beyond the physical spaces, the development will also make contributions to local infrastructure, in line with the priorities yet to be identified by the Council. These contributions could support essential services and improvements such as schools, healthcare facilities, highways, and public transport links, ensuring that the project delivers real and measurable benefits across the wider area.
The restoration of Winstanley Hall and the surrounding development will create a sense of ownership and pride among the borough’s residents. It will transform a neglected landmark into a shared community asset — one that brings people together through culture, recreation, and learning. With its blend of heritage, open space, and inclusive design, the project will make Winstanley Hall and part of its grounds once again a defining part of local life, not as a private estate but as a place for everyone to enjoy.
In addition to the new Heritage Centre off Pemberton Road, the development will also include a flexible community building within the grounds of Winstanley Hall itself. This will be located in one of the restored outbuildings within the rear courtyard, forming part of the hall’s wider regeneration.
This adaptable space will serve as a multi-purpose venue for local activities, events, and community gatherings. Designed with versatility in mind, it can accommodate a variety of uses—from meetings, workshops, and educational sessions to social events and wellbeing activities. The inclusion of dedicated parking ensures easy access for all visitors, while its position within the historic estate makes it a distinctive and inspiring place to come together.
By providing both the Heritage Centre and the community building, the development ensures that Winstanley Hall becomes more than a restored landmark. It will be a living, inclusive destination that encourages participation, learning, and connection across all generations. These new facilities will play an essential role in shaping the estate’s future as a vibrant, accessible community hub for Winstanley and beyond.
The Winstanley Hall Development has been designed to create a community that supports families and encourages outdoor activity. As part of this vision, three dedicated play spaces will be provided across the residential areas surrounding the enabling development. Each play space has been carefully planned to cater for different age groups, ensuring children of all abilities and interests have a safe and engaging place to enjoy.
These play areas will be conveniently located within walking distance of homes, encouraging families to spend more time outdoors and interact with their neighbours. Each space will feature age-appropriate equipment, safe surfacing, and natural landscaping that blends with the development’s parkland character. The design of the play zones promotes imaginative play, social interaction, and physical wellbeing in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
By creating play opportunities for toddlers, young children, and older age groups alike, the development will nurture a strong sense of community and ensure families have access to high-quality recreational spaces right on their doorstep. These areas form part of the wider network of public open space and green corridors, supporting both healthy living and the overall character of the Winstanley Hall setting.
This is a development shaped by community values and guided by the belief that heritage should be lived, experienced, and shared. Through thoughtful planning and local collaboration, Winstanley Hall will finally take its place as a welcoming space for the people of Wigan — a place where history, community, and the natural environment come together in harmony.