Capital&Centric readies Wigan Civic Centre for restoration

A planning application is due later this year outlining the specifics of the developer’s ambitions to create 32,000 sq ft of workspace in the modernist structure – but in the meantime, Capital&Centric is commencing enabling works.

These works will be carried out by contractor H H Smith & Sons and include stripping out fittings that the developer deems unusable, as well as fixtures designated as having no architectural merit. Capital&Centric said this could include plasterboard, flooring tiles, and light fixtures.

Other enabling works include taking down a defunct rooftop telephone mast, exposing the original concrete in the ceilings, and getting rid of redundant mechanical equipment.

Enabling works are underway. Credit: via Font Comms

Capital&Centric and Wigan Council are working together on the plans, which will comprise a mixture of large offices, incubator spaces, coffee shops, and a roof garden.

When Capital&Centric is through with the building, it said the Civic Centre will be “some of the highest-quality and most creative workspaces on the market”.

Capital&Centric joint managing director John Moffat described the work as “an incredible next chapter” for the 1970s office block.

“The Civic Centre has been part of Wigan life for decades,” he said.

“We want it to become a magnet for start-ups and growing creative businesses that want a standout space with real character right in the centre of town.”

Proposals for the building include incubator spaces and larger offices. Credit: via Font Communications

Wigan Council Leader Cllr David Molyneux shared his own support for the project.

“Capital& Centric’s vision for the building is exciting and will see the iconic building restored and transformed into an attractive and modern workplace of choice,” Molyneux said.

“There’s lots of exciting projects taking place in Wigan town centre at the moment as part of our strategic regeneration framework, including the redevelopment of the Galleries, Wigan Pier and Eckersley Mills, along with the Heritage Action Zone project on King Street,” he continued.

“Together these projects will help support the regeneration of Wigan into a place where people choose to live, work, visit, and invest.”

Capital&Centric is working across Greater Manchester at the moment. Current projects include the conversion of Neptune Mill into 22,000 sq ft of creative workspace in Manchester, the 253-apartment Weir Mill scheme in Stockport, and the push for 160 homes in Bolton.