Wigan town hall set for £6.1m makeover

ISG has been appointed preferred contractor for the £6.1m conservation and restoration of Wigan's grade 2-listed town hall.

The Bradford-headquartered contractor will conserve and restore the building and remodel its interior to create a more "practical, efficient and modern working environment for council staff".

The project was procured by ISG via the North West Construction Hub framework.

Work will start in November, with ISG uncovering some of the Victorian town hall's original features for the first time since they were concealed by modifications to the interior carried out in the 1970s.

The four-storey building is currently configured as cellularised offices and meeting spaces, and ISG will transform the internal layout to provide open plan work spaces in support of the council's Agile Working strategy.

Wigan council chief executive Donna Hall said: "The Agile Working strategy was developed in response to the government's budget reductions, it will allow for a better, more efficient way of working.

"Operating from fewer buildings, staff will hot desk, job share and work from home, promoting a more flexible and joined-up approach to working. This way we'll be able to make the savings needed, while working more effectively."

Restoration of existing historic features will include the removal of false ceilings to reveal ornate cornices, conservation of parquet flooring and elm floorboards and sensitive removal of plaster finishes on the walls to expose decorative Victorian tiling and brickwork.

ISG will create a new reception area on the ground floor, where original stained glass windows will be revealed to enhance the visual appearance of the foyer.

Externally, the company will also carry out repairs to the roof, chimneys and windows, working with English Heritage throughout the project to ensure that all restoration elements are carried out sensitively and in full compliance with listed building requirements.

Andy Mallice, ISG's northern regional managing director, said: "This challenging project will help to restore and safeguard the future for this iconic regional building.

"The scheme is an exciting blend of traditional building conservation and contemporary office planning, with a state-of-the-art service installation and a focus on reducing overall running costs and delivering a building that better serves the local community."

AIM-listed ISG has offices across the North West, including Manchester, Liverpool and Chorley.