Wigan Municipal Buildings

Integrating a modern, multi-use municipal facility with a Grade II listed, historically sensitive site was never going to be a simple task. During a large-scale redevelopment of Wigan’s main civic premises, the existing and much-loved iconic terracotta street facade was retained, with Shaws of Darwen selected as a vital part of the professional team to carry out this sensitive work.

Thanks to a large amount of PFI generated investment in 2008, Wigan Municipal Buildings underwent a major redevelopment to modernise and centralise a number of key services in a council and leisure ‘hub’. Plans for the new development included a state-of-the-art library, fitness centre, pool and council offices, improving efficiency and access to public services while retaining the historical red terracotta facades on Hewlett Street and Library Street.

The three-storey buildings are faced completely in distinctive red terracotta, incorporating several intricately designed window bays, balustrades, dentilled cornicing and panelling. Further ornamental detailing includes decorated turrets and domes. After meticulous colour match development and surveying of all the units to be replaced, the blocks were carefully manufactured by Shaws, created to represent accuracy in dimension, profile and sculpture, ensuring the new work integrated successfully with the original.

The work on the landmark new development for Wigan Borough Council was completed during the first half of 2011. Conservation of the distinctive heritage architectural features of the Municipal Buildings’ exterior, many dating back to the beginning of the previous century, preserves the visual history of the site while providing an attractive, street facing ‘shell’ for the brand-new public services hub to occupy.

• For more information on architectural terracotta projects, visit www.shaws-terracotta.co.uk.

• Image credit: www.oyphotos.co.uk