Historic England has removed the Grade II listed Plantation Gates and lodges at Haigh Hall in Wigan from its heritage at risk register, following a restoration programme delivered as part of the Haigh Hall transformation project.
Built around 1840 in the classical style, the sandstone ashlar archway and pair of lodges, with their cast-iron railings and gates, form a striking entrance to the Haigh Hall estate and surrounding woodland.
Restoration work completed
An extensive programme has restored the site, with specialists carrying out works including new slate roofing, careful cleaning of exterior stonework, bespoke sash windows, and repair of the pedestrian gates and wing walls.
The lodges have been converted into a visitor information space in the South Lodge, with an immersive art installation in the North Lodge created by artists Leo Mercer and James Hooton, inspired by Haigh's history and nature.
Funding and future secured
Buildings or structures are removed from the register when they are fully repaired and their future secured through either occupation and use, or through the adoption of appropriate management.
The restoration was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Wigan Council, forming part of the wider ambition to restore the 'at risk' Haigh Hall itself, work on which is now underway.
Coun Chris Ready, Wigan Council's cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: "This is really welcome news, and it is fantastic to know that the work and investment that has taken place has safeguarded these listed buildings for the future.
"I am really proud of this, to be the only place in the region to have a site removed from the at-risk register, while also opening these beautiful buildings to the public again is a real accomplishment.
"Haigh Woodland Park means so much more to me than a project. I have lived locally all my life, made countless memories there, and even got married there. It is part of my past, an important part of my present, and something I want to see thrive for future generations. Every improvement matters because Haigh is part of who I am.
"This has been a great year for Haigh, with the return of the land train, record visitor numbers and the internal work on the hall due to start imminently, and now this news from the Plantation Gates. I am really looking forward to what 2027 brings."
Public access
The lodges are open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-2pm and are free to visit.
