The Cotton Works
By Simon
It's always exciting when you get to freely discuss a new project, especially when you have been working on it for a while. Last week saw the official launch of the Cotton Works project, a £180m redevelopment of a Grade II-listed Cotton Mill complex in Wigan. Spread over 17 acres, it comprises three mill buildings and associated sheds, warehouses, and offices.
This is a landmark project in so many ways, but for me, what makes it so special is the motivation and passion of the developer. John Heaton and The Heaton Group are a fifth-generation family business from Wigan and a leading residential developer across Greater Manchester and the north. John has lived by the mantra of "never buy a pub, church, or most definitely a mill!". Luckily for Wigan, he ignored his own advice and was driven by civic pride to invest back into his own town. A sentiment echoed at the launch in a rousing speech about the town and the project from Wigan Warriors CEO and legend Kris Radlinski MBE. The initial phase of the development is focused on office and hospitality. The 80,000 sqft Mill One will house three floors of Cat-A offices, a new glazed terrace on the top floor of the co-working building, and a rooftop bar and event space. The ground floor will be a 400-cover food hall with six traders, two bars, and a stage, alongside a new pub taproom with a selection of the best local beers and pies. Heaton will become the "proporators" of these hospitality spaces, ensuring consistent quality and offering. Future phases will see the reimagining of a historic roller rink, which has been on the site for forty years, along with a competitive socialising venue, kids' activity site, and landmark restaurant opportunities.
All of this, along with the other mills, being converted to residential with new residential blocks, assisted living, retail and a hotel. The Cotton Works will become an important new quarter within the town and a hotspot for the redevelopment of this once-important northern powerhouse.
Read the article on the Manchester Evening News
