Maryland granted Eckersley Mills consent

South Manchester-based property company Maryland Securities Group has won planning permission from Wigan Council for a 1m sq ft scheme on a 15-acre site bounded by the Leeds Liverpool Canal and River Douglas fronting Wigan Pier.

Maryland plans a mixture of newbuild and refurbishment delivering 300 new homes, commercial and cultural facilities, a new hotel, cafes and restaurants. Maryland will take a long lease on the site and said it has the co-operation of freehold landowners.

Council leader Lord Smith commented: "This project will be a major economic boost for Wigan and we appreciate the detailed work that has been done by the developers and council staff. The real job is for us to deliver the vision and the jobs."

Jacob Jebreel, managing director of Maryland, said: "We are delighted to receive such wide ranging support and for the significant economic benefits this project gives back to the region."

The mills are home to 40 existing commercial tenants who will be retained as the project will be delivered in phases over several years.

Graham Stock, planning partner at Drivers Jonas Deloitte, advising Maryland, said: "Maryland is to be commended for their vision and tenacity in progressing this important site, elevating their position as a North West developer. The combination of heritage value, water frontages, size and scale, pledged support and locational factors makes this scheme unique and stand out on a regional basis at this time."