Wigan Album

Facade retention structure for the Ship Hotel.

Loz; Wonder how many people have entered the Grand Arcade looking for the Ship Hotel, lol.

Giant Meccano?

This must have put thousands of pounds onto the cost and for what? All the original frontage was eventually removed!

The front of the ship hotel is still there.

A recent "conservation officer" (now left) stated abuot six years ago that Wigan Council had a Planing Policy that didnt allow "facade retention", and that you had to rebuild what was behind the structure rather than simply retain it as a stage prop. As a result, we've just witnessed the demolition of the old town hall frontage in King Street. They allowed this, because it suited them along with the facade of the Millgate/Hewlett street building for their own use as well. They make the rules up as they go along to suit their own ends. What plonkers !!!!!