Photo-a-Day  (Saturday, 13th June, 2009)

get that off

I hope it never gets built, its ugly. Modus won't be building it now the Grand Arcade has gone into administration.

Has the Grand Arcade really gone into administration?

yes it has and if they cant find a buyer, its bye bye big white elephant!

The Grand Arcade was one of the worst things to happen to Wigan and that new whatever it is, is one of the ugliest things I've ever seen. I pray it will never be built.. Wigan could have been a jewel if it had been taken care of properly, but I fear it is ruined beyond repair..

Photo a day at the weekend gets largely ignored for some reason. very few comments.

Now I know how to get it more attention hehehe :-)

Get it built I say! It'd be a helluva lot better to look at than an empty plot with a fence round it!

I agree Dave, that empty fenced in plot is an eyesore, but surely, surely, someone could come up with something nicer than the monstrosity that is planned..

Looks at the building peeping over that fence. Not exactly something that'd win design awards is it?

Again Dave, I agree, that block of flats is far from being attractive, but it shouldn't have to be from bad to worse, should it? and that is what seems to be the norm for Wigan these days.. Too late now I know, but if done proper back in the 50s and on, Wigan could have been a small Chester, it had the history and the architecture, but instead it's a disaster..Those are my thoughts anyway, and they are not worth fighting over. Still, you do take some very good pictures...

Thanks :-)

Janet, Have you read the book, The Death of Great American CIties by Jane Jacobs? She describes how town planners destroy towns and cities. Much applies to the UK.

David,
No I haven't read that book, I did read something else, same subject, also warning the UK to heed the mistakes America made. The US is now trying to revitalize it's cities.. Raleigh NC is a success, but it isn't happening everywhere.. Such a shame for the citizens of both countries..

As an ex Wiganer I have to agree with Janet and many others, that Wigan has been desecrated by the 'new' planners. What is wrong with these people? Have they never heard of a democracy whereby they ask the people what THEY think prior to destroying the old town?

Campaign for a Real Wigan. CRW,?? hey, it sounds good.

I'm really glad to hear these comments as I feel that there are others who feel the same as myself. Wigan could have rivalled Chester if the planners hadn't got their filthy mitts on things

Well Dave, now you know all you need is controversial subject matter and you get loads of comments, even on a weekend.
Fred, I like the sound of CRW, it does sound good. I think there are more than just a few of us that would like Wigan to be taken care of the way it should be.

I think its deplorable how a lot of historic architecture in Wigan has been left to rot.Look at Haigh Hall,I think the planners ought to look at Alston Hall near Preston and how much income that building brings in.Get your act together town planners-save our heritage.

i think this should be built, its about time Wigan gets updated we're in the 21st century and we need some serious improvements in Wigan. The flats in the background are also starting to look decent. I do agree that some buildings should be left alone as Wigan would lose its identity, however we need to move with the time and build some modern buildings for everyone to enjoy aswel as old buildings

Right, Janet. It's on. CRW ..!! You and I think alike and I know many more in Wigan who feel the same. How far can we take this, I wonder.???

fred@cumbriancrafts.co.uk

What is it going to be? flats or offices? it looks very narrow, i agree with what most are saying about how Wigan could have looked like Chester, but its too late to dwell on that now, this building looks very urban and modern, it could possibly look good.

gee, it looks awful! solution - take down the fence and plant it up! Plus some benches.

i think its a good idea it could be turned into flats are even more shopping!

hope you all saw the programme about the destruction of Bath after WW2 and how the local people got together to fight to save it from being totally destroyed by those blinkered town planners!

if they can do it - I'm sure Wigan folk can put up a fight!

;@)