Winstanley Hall is in an advanced state of decay, with sections of the roof and floors collapsed and vegetation taking hold. Without immediate restoration, the building faces total loss. The proposed development provides the only viable means of saving this historic landmark, funding essential repairs through the creation of new homes and community facilities.
The project is being led by Kingswood Homes, a respected homebuilder with a strong record in sensitive, high-quality developments. Their approach prioritises heritage preservation, community value, and environmental sustainability.
The Grade II* listed hall will be restored and converted into 36 apartments, carefully retaining its architectural features while making it suitable for modern use. This ensures its preservation and prevents further deterioration.
The development will open the hall and part of its parkland to the public for the first time, create new community spaces, provide employment opportunities, support local education through the Heritage Centre, and deliver affordable housing and green infrastructure for long-term community use.
The scheme will introduce vehicular, pedestrian, and cycle links that connect the hall and its grounds with the wider Winstanley area. This ensures easy and inclusive access for everyone.
Following public consultation, stand-offs between the new development and nearby homes were significantly increased. The buffer along Pemberton Road was widened from 25 to 30 metres, while the Springpool boundary increased from 15 to 25 metres. These changes protect privacy and maintain long-distance views.
The design has been guided by local architecture and materials, ensuring the new homes reflect the character of Winstanley. Landscaping and open green spaces will soften the development’s edges, maintaining the area’s rural identity.
The proposal includes 396 new one- to five-bedroom homes, providing a range of options for families, first-time buyers, and older residents. A proportion of these homes will be affordable housing, helping to meet local demand.
The project directly supports the Government’s goal to build 1.5 million homes within five years, while meeting Wigan’s growing need for high-quality family housing. It provides a sustainable solution in a suitable location with strong infrastructure and minimal ecological constraints.
The development includes 18 acres of public open space, equivalent to ten football pitches, with green corridors, ponds, and wildlife habitats. A two-mile educational nature trail, village green, and community orchard will promote biodiversity and outdoor wellbeing.
All homes will be built to modern energy efficiency standards, reducing emissions and running costs. The site’s design encourages walking and cycling, with permeable surfaces and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) managing water naturally.
Yes. A 15-metre woodland buffer will be retained to safeguard trees and ecological areas. Natural habitats will be preserved and enhanced throughout the site, ensuring the development improves biodiversity.
The Heritage Centre, located near Pemberton Road, will tell the story of Winstanley Hall through displays, events, and workshops. It will also serve as a social hub, featuring a coffee hatch and space for community gatherings, education, and local projects.
The project will make financial contributions to local infrastructure in line with Council requirements, helping to improve schools, healthcare, highways, and community facilities in the surrounding area.
Yes. The project will create local construction and trade jobs during the build phase and generate ongoing employment through the operation of community facilities, landscaping, and maintenance.
The restoration of Winstanley Hall will remove it from the English Heritage Risk Register, where it is currently listed as at immediate risk. The development ensures that this irreplaceable piece of history is saved for future generations.
The land offers a sustainable and deliverable location with good access to the M6, existing urban services, and minimal environmental constraints. Its single ownership allows for cohesive, well-managed development that supports both housing and heritage objectives.
Residents will enjoy access to parkland, walking routes, the central village green, and recreational areas for play and relaxation. These open spaces will form the backbone of the community, promoting health, wellbeing, and outdoor activity.
The final development will integrate new homes, restored heritage buildings, and landscaped open spaces within a parkland setting. Mature trees, natural planting, and carefully designed streetscapes will ensure a timeless, attractive environment.
Without this proposal, Winstanley Hall will continue to deteriorate rapidly. Structural collapse could soon make restoration impossible, leading to eventual demolition. Granting approval allows the hall to be saved, the site regenerated, and the community to benefit from housing, heritage, and new public spaces for generations to come.
The Winstanley Hall Development represents a rare opportunity to preserve the past while building for the future—restoring an iconic landmark, creating new homes, and giving the local community access to a historic estate that has been closed for centuries.