Wigan Pier, located around the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in Wigan, is an iconic site with a history dating back to the Industrial Revolution.
The name is rather ironic as the word “pier” creates an image of a seaside town which contrasts the reality of the industrial, inland town.
Originally, the "pier" was a loading jetty along the canal, where coal from Wigan’s mines would be loaded onto barges.
Over time, it gained a somewhat mythic status, mainly due to George Orwell's 1937 book The Road to Wigan Pier, which documented the harsh living and working conditions of the local working class.
The book brought national and international attention to Wigan Pier, which would forever link it to the industrial struggles of the time.
Throughout the 20th century, as coal mining declined and the Industrial Revolution faded, much like other similar sites, Wigan Pier fell into disrepair.
In the 1980s, the area was reimagined as a cultural and historical attraction.
Museums and heritage sites were developed to educate visitors on Wigan’s industrial past, with the former Way We Were museum at Wigan Pier as a key component of this effort.
Despite its popularity, funding issues led to the closure of the museum in 2007, and the site entered a period of neglect.
However, recent years have seen ambitious redevelopment plans for Wigan Pier.
Wigan Council, in partnership with private developers, is working on transforming the area into a mixed use development.
Plans include new housing, cultural spaces, cafes, restaurants, and recreational areas along the waterfront.
The goal is to preserve Wigan Pier’s historical significance while introducing modern amenities that will attract both locals and tourists.
The redevelopment is set to create a unique blend of Wigan's industrial heritage and contemporary life, turning the area into a lively community space once again.
The project aims to honour Wigan Pier’s legacy while building a sustainable future.
