Historic mill buildings will be brought back to life after planning permission was granted for a £250m housing scheme.
The north-west of England’s biggest brownfield regeneration project under a single owner will see the construction of more than 800 new homes in Wigan.
The 17-acre (7-hectare) site includes Grade II-listed Eckersley Mill, which was built in 1884. Following redevelopment work, The Cotton Works will include a food hall, rooftop bar and office space.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham said: “Securing full planning permission for this significantly large brownfield site is not just about reclaiming land – it’s about unlocking the potential for new homes, jobs, and economic growth.”
The site, near the town centre and its transport links, has been described as a “pioneering 10-minute community” which offers residents and workers “the ability to meet most of their everyday needs within a 10-minute walk”.
The project is expected to take five years to complete, with it being undertaken in phases.
John Heaton, managing director of developers the Heaton Group, said: “We’re so proud of our heritage and we’re honoured to be able to restore these valuable cultural assets and bring them into the 21st Century.”
He added: “We’re already employing hundreds of tradespeople as a result of this decision, and those numbers are going to grow with the approval to begin work on future phases of the site and open new venues, offices and leisure spaces.”
Last year nine of Greater Manchester’s 10 councils signed a long-term housing plan – Places For Everyone – which promised to prioritise building on brownfield sites over green spaces.
Wigan Council agreed to build nearly 19,000 new homes by 2039.
Council Leader David Molyneux said: “It is one of several brownfield developments breathing new life into our town, and creating new spaces for people to live, work, visit and enjoy themselves.
“We are proud of our strong industrial heritage, and projects like Cotton Works are set to be part of our borough’s bright and vibrant future.
“The multi-phase regeneration of the Cotton Works site is destined to become a real engine of growth – bringing jobs, residents, and investment into Wigan.”
