Wigan Album

An interesting photo Barrie, thanks for posting. Yes you're right about Station Road and Woolies. Looks like they are shoes that are hung up outside the shop next door Tyler & Sons, also the writing on the corner wall - We Shall Have ?, wonder what they would have had all those years ago. It's a beautiful building, sadly despoiled like many others have been.

Just had a look and there is a clearer photo on the Album: http://www.wiganworld.co.uk/album/photo.php?opt=5&id=1848&gallery=Standishgate&offset=0
Though the last word on the wall writing remains unclear.
Also looks to be an early motorcycle and side car coming up Standishgate.

Cyril, you are spot on, Wigan Council have ruined the town centre. How could they demolish this beautiful building and replace it with the current mock Tudor monstrosity? Shame on Wigan Council!

Cyril - the words on the shop corner are most likely 'We Shall Have Rain'.
This used to be a popular slogan displayed by shops that sold umbrellas.

Phil,
Not only have the council spoiled the town centre they have spoiled the whole borough.

It's a bit difficult to blame the present Council for the replacement of this building with the mock-Tudor shop - pics of Standishgate in the Album show it happened well before WW2. Councils then had little say over property owners wanting to knock their property down and replace it... and, at the end of the day, they don't have that much clout over redevelopments nowadays.

Agreed, if someone wants to sell their property to someone who wants to pull it down I would imagine there is little a council can do other than ensure its all done above board. I would be willing to bet the old hotel was ready to fall down on its own by then. Unless there is some historical or architectural value old buildings are liabilities, take the old courts for example, and the ruins that back onto the bus station.