Wigan’s Haigh Plantation Gates Fully Restored in 2026

Key Points

• Haigh’s Plantation Gates and Lodges, a Grade II* listed complex on Wigan Lane at the edge of Haigh Woodland Park, have been fully reopened to the public after an 18-month restoration.
• The project was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Wigan Council, and was officially opened on Friday, 3 July 2026, by Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
• Lisa Nandy described the restoration as “a bridge between our past, present and future” and stressed that “places like Haigh bring us together”.
• The ceremony was attended by Wigan Borough Mayor Councillor Anne, and Councillor Chris Ready, portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, who called the restoration “incredible” and praised the North Lodge artwork.
• Former resident David Woods, who lived in the lodges more than 50 years ago, contributed to an immersive art installation in the North Lodge titled What the Walls Remember, developed by artists Leo Mercer and James Hooton.
• The South Lodge has been repurposed as a visitor information space with bespoke furniture, floor tiling and an accessible toilet, while external pedestrian gates and wing walls have been restored and new themed lighting installed.
• The lodges are now open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 2pm, with free tickets bookable via Eventbrite.
• The development reinforces Haigh Woodland Park’s status as a heritage asset and community space for Wigan residents and visitors.

Wigan (Manchester Mirror) July 08, 2026 – The Grade II* listed Plantation Gates and Lodges, located on uk/local/wigan/">Wigan Lane at the edge of Haigh Woodland Park, have been fully restored and reopened to the public after an 18-month project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Wigan Council, with the official opening ceremony held on Friday, 3 July 2026, by Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

This marks the first time in recent decades that the gates and lodges have been accessible to residents in their restored form, following a major conservation effort that has brought together heritage funding, local council support and community participation.

Why Is the Reopening of Plantation Gates Significant for Wigan?

The reopening is significant not only for its architectural heritage value but also for its role as a “gateway” to Haigh Woodland Park, one of the borough’s key green spaces.

As reported by the official announcement, Councillor Chris Ready, portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “It’s incredible to have Plantation Gates and Lodges restored and open to residents for the very first time. The reaction to the transformation and the artwork in the North Lodge has been amazing so far, we can’t wait for even more people to see the fabulous gateway to our woodland park”.

Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, emphasised the social value of the site, stating:

“This is Wigan, we are friendly, welcoming people who believe these assets are for us all forever. This is more than a beautiful restoration, it’s a bridge between our past, present and future. Places like Haigh bring us together”.

How Was the Restoration Project Funded and Delivered?

The 18-month restoration was delivered through a partnership between the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Wigan Council, which provided the core funding and oversight for the project.

The work included:

• Careful restoration of the external pedestrian gates and surrounding wing walls.
• Installation of new themed lighting to enhance the site at night.
• Full internal refurbishment of both lodges, with different uses assigned to each.

The involvement of the National Lottery Heritage Fund highlights the national importance of the site as a heritage asset, while Wigan Council’s role underlines the local commitment to preserving and repurposing historic structures for community benefit.

What Changes Have Been Made to the North and South Lodges?

The two lodges have been given distinct roles to maximise their use for visitors and the local community.

How Is the North Lodge Being Used Now?

The North Lodge now houses an immersive art installation titled What the Walls Remember, which was developed by artists Leo Mercer and James Hooton.

The installation explores the history and stories of Haigh through music, light and storytelling, and includes contributions from former resident David Woods, who lived in the lodges more than 50 years ago.

This approach aligns with modern heritage practice, which seeks to engage visitors not only with the physical building but also with the memories and narratives associated with it.

What Is the New Function of the South Lodge?

The South Lodge has been repurposed into a visitor information space, complete with:

• Bespoke furniture designed to fit the historic setting.
• New floor tiling.
• An accessible toilet to improve visitor convenience and inclusivity.

These changes transform the South Lodge from a purely historic structure into a functional hub for anyone visiting Haigh Woodland Park, providing information, guidance and support.

When and How Can Visitors Access the Restored Lodges?

The lodges are now open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 2pm.

Tickets are free and can be booked through Eventbrite, which allows the site to manage visitor numbers while ensuring access remains open to all.

This limited opening schedule is likely designed to:

• Protect the newly restored interiors.
• Allow time for staff or volunteers to manage the site and the art installation.
• Build a sustainable model for ongoing public access.

Visitors are encouraged to book in advance to secure their spot, particularly on weekends when demand may be higher.

Who Attended the Official Opening Ceremony?

The official opening on Friday, 3 July 2026, was attended by several key figures, including:

• Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, who led the ceremony.
• The Mayor of Wigan Borough, Councillor Anne.
• Councillor Chris Ready, portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods.

Their presence underlines the multi-level importance of the project, from national heritage policy to local community development.

Background: The Development of Plantation Gates and Lodges

Plantation Gates and Lodges are a Grade II* listed structure located on Wigan Lane at the edge of Haigh Woodland Park, a designation that recognises their special architectural and historic interest.

The lodges previously served as residential accommodation, with people such as David Woods living in them more than 50 years ago, before falling into a state that required substantial conservation work.

The 18-month restoration project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Wigan Council, was designed to:

• Preserve the historic fabric of the gates and lodges.
• Adapt the buildings for modern community use.
• Introduce contemporary cultural elements, such as the What the Walls Remember installation, to connect past and present.

This development reflects a broader trend in UK heritage management, where listed buildings are not only conserved but also repurposed to serve as active community assets rather than static monuments.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Wigan Residents and Visitors

The reopening of Plantation Gates and Lodges is likely to have several measurable impacts on the local community and on visitors to Haigh Woodland Park.

For Local Residents

For Wigan residents, the restored lodges offer:

• A new cultural and heritage destination close to home, accessible without the need for long travel.
• A space where local history is presented through art, music and storytelling, which can strengthen community identity and pride.
• Free access via booked tickets, making the site financially inclusive for families and individuals.

As Councillor Chris Ready noted, the reaction to the transformation and artwork has already been “amazing”, suggesting strong local engagement from the outset.

For Visitors to Haigh Woodland Park

For visitors, the South Lodge’s role as a visitor information space means:

• Improved navigation and understanding of the woodland park.
• Better facilities, including an accessible toilet, which can make the park more welcoming to people with disabilities and older visitors.
• A clearer sense of arrival and orientation at the park’s edge, thanks to the restored gates and themed lighting.

Longer-Term Effects

Over time, the site could:

• Become a regular stop on local heritage trails and school visits.
• Support broader tourism and leisure activity in Wigan, contributing to the borough’s cultural economy.
• Encourage further investment in nearby historic or green spaces, as the success of this project demonstrates the value of combining conservation with community use.

In short, the reopening is not just about restoring old stone and timber; it is about creating a living space that connects Wigan’s past with its present and future, in line with Lisa Nandy’s description of the project as “a bridge between our past, present and future”.