Photo-a-Day  (Monday, 19th December, 2022)

When I 1st met my wife she worked in this building as a sewing machinist about 1971-77. She made waistcoats for Dunn&Co.. She made me a burgundy red waistcoat. Looking at the building from the rear it makes you realise how imposing it is. I presume most of the building in still in use though the sewing rooms went a long time ago.

That is one huge mill building !
What is it these days, flats....or should I say apartments ?

I worked for BT Dorning Street for many years and my window overlooked the front of Coops building, I never realised it had sides! it's amazing. You really can 'Learn something new everday'

I had no idea this place was so big! All my life I have thought Coops was just the single building that you pass on the bus just before it turns right towards the bus station. You live and learn!

What an impressive building. Like you, Irene, I thought it was just the one building. Very striking.

My sister worked at Coops for many years, I've seen the front view many times but never one from the back.

Mick you sure do get around, weve had one of yours when you sneaked into that old rugby players pub, then the grotto which I didn't know existed and now the rear view of this old Wigan sewing factory.

Hey up ....Yes 'Joan' . He really is super isn't he .

It may be quite different inside, but looking from here a prison comes to mind.

I think ‘Joan’ gets around just as much as Mick does!

What a great building {for a window cleaner}. Can somebody tell me where it is.

I worked at the printers next door and like so many of you never realised it went so far back. I wonder how many machinists worked there.

I wonder if they go tandem…
The building looks like a prison around the back..

Is this building currently in use and if so then what for? An amazing structure!

Veronica, I don't think they have any other option but to go tandem.

Owd Reekie a web search reveals all. see links.
https://www.wiganbuildings.co.uk/building.php?id=420

There's accomodation for young people there, and there are some good outcomes for young people too.
https://www.wigantoday.net/news/people/young-wigan-woman-shares-story-of-turning-life-around-at-town-centre-supported-housing-3192508

https://www.wigan.gov.uk/LINC2/Survival-Guide/Local-services/Coops-Foyer.aspx

There are also substance misuse clinics. https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/services/wigan-leigh-wigan/

The right hand wing is 'Coops Foyer' - providing accommodation and training principally for care leavers and other homeless youth. The centre block is office accommodation, mainly for charitable organisations, and the left wing is apartments. I've not had anything to do with it for some years now, but I was proud to be on the Board of Grosvenor Housing when we sank millions of pounds into saving and converting the building - and providing the Foyer accommodation.. The cast iron supports for the floors of each level are still there inside - and presented quite a problem when trying to create living spaces.

My mother started work here when she was 14. It would have been about 1941 ish

Derek Platt the building is in Wigan I take it you're not familiar with the town?

My brother also worked there in the middle forties going through the trade and they used to make Austin Reed garments they were expensive good quality material... It was for him an enjoyable time. The mill is right near Uncle Joes mintball buildings.

Derek if you walk down hill from the top of Wigan town centre towards the railway stations. Take your right turn at the side of Wigan Wallgate Station which is King Street West.go to the junction of Dorning Street the Coops Building is facing you