The OV Group, a local leisure and hospitality company, has lodged a planning application to convert 25 Wallgate in Wigan town centre from a recruitment agency into a licensed bar with accommodation above.
The four-storey property dates back to Victorian times and sits within the Wigan town centre conservation area. The group already operates pubs in the town including Kilcoyne’s, The Bowling Green, The Whitesmiths Arms and The Cherry Gardens.
Plans for ‘The Wallgate’
If permission is approved, the group said it would create a bar called ‘The Wallgate’ within the building. Earlier this year, The OV Group described its aspirations for the site and published a CGI concept image of the potential transformation.
A post on its Facebook page said: “The Wallgate will be a traditional town centre pub based within the heart of Wigan.
“With old traditions features and a fabulous curb appeal, it sits at the heart of Wigan’s famous Wallgate.
“The site has already has works underway during the demolition and ‘rip out’ stage before undergoing major investment to turn this building into a proper staple of Wigan.
“The offering will be simple… sports, entertainment, real ales along with some special and unique staples that were holding until a little closer to the opening stages.
“The pub will go over two floors and will hold an intimate but spacious areas for patrons to enjoy.”
Heritage and objections
A heritage assessment published in support of the change of use plans said: “The proposals will be readily absorbed into the building and area and will regenerate the derelict property.
“The proposals will not have a negative effect on the Wigan town centre conservation area.”
The plans also include manager accommodation above the bar. That element of the application has received an objection from neighbouring business Fatbird Live Lounge, published on the Wigan council planning portal.
The objection said: “Our primary concern is that placing residential accommodation directly next to an established late-night entertainment use creates an inherent and unavoidable conflict.
“Future residents would inevitably be exposed to normal noise, music, bass and activity from our lawful operations – and this is highly likely to lead to noise complaints. Such complaints could then trigger unreasonablerestrictions on our business, our operating hours, our live music provision and our existing licence – threatening our ability to trade lawfully and sustainably.
“We request that the residential accommodation element is removed from the application, or that this part of the proposal is refused.”
The planning application will be considered by Wigan council in the coming weeks.
