First Look at new Life Centre
It’s time to welcome Wigan Council’s exciting new public services ‘hub’. The Information and Learning Zone officially opened its doors to the public on Monday 9 January.
Situated between Hewlett Street and The Wiend, next to Wigan Town Hall, the 6,500 square foot building will be the culmination of the council’s £217M Life Centre project.
It offers residents of the borough a new ‘gateway’ to all public services in the borough through a state-of-the-art customer contact centre. The vision will see any member of the public with a query about services provided by the council, housing, health and other partners have it resolved quickly and in-one place.
The centre contains a new public library, including children’s and reference sections along with community space and offices for various voluntary sector organisations.
The new zone follows on the heels of the Healthy Living Zone – which opened over the summer and incorporates new leisure complex, including swimming pools and gym, as well as council offices. Both sites have been built for the council by construction company Morgan Sindall and will be operated by the council’s FM partner Hochtief facilites Management.
The town centre campus is also complimented by a network of local Life Centres in communities across the borough.
Wigan Council’s Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Cllr Chris Ready joined Life Centre project manager Carl Taylor for a tour of the new building ready for opening. Cllr Ready says: “This fantastic new building will complete the Life Centre campus and gives us a new approach to serving our communities.
“Residents of the borough have told us that they want us to make it easier and quicker for them to contact the council and other public services and the Life Centre is our response. We have set ourselves the target of answering 80 per cent of inquiries at the first meeting in the first year, and improve after that. “The Life Centre has been built on time and to budget. It is particularly pleasing that during difficult economic times the council and its partners have been able to complete a major regeneration project that has not only brought jobs and investment to Wigan but will act as a beacon to further attract opportunities to our borough.
“The council’s ambition is to create a ‘confident place with confident people’ and we believe the new Life Centre typifies this.”
Thursday, 4 July 2013
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
Fountain flows again at Mesnes Park
Fountain flows again at Mesnes Park
02 July 2013
THE Coalbrookdale Fountain in Mesnes Park is now flowing for the first time in almost 100 years.
The fountain and the Pulham Feature have been restored to the park as part of a £6.1million project made possible by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Big Lottery Fund, Wigan Council and WLCT.
On Sunday 30 June the community came together to mark the occasion with a picnic in the park and music from Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats. Mayor of Wigan, Cllr Billy Rotherham, officially opened the structures.
Stuart Murray, Chief Executive at leisure provider WLCT, said: “We are delighted to see the Coalbrookdale Fountain and Pulham Feature restored and back where they belong. A lot of dedicated people have worked hard to see these historic structures reinstated and this event marked the culmination of their sterling efforts.”
The Mayor of Wigan, Cllr Billy Rotherham, said: “It's wonderful to see the fountain back to its former glory and returned to its rightful home. I hope our residents enjoy the monument and other improvements made atMesnes Park."
The Coalbrookdale Fountain, which was originally introduced in 1878 but removed in 1921, has been restored by local specialists Lost Art.
Managing Director of Lost Art Dominic Liptrot said: "For us this restoration began more than 18 months ago when we visited the Coalbrookdale Library and a replica inLurgan,Northern Ireland. It’s been full on ever since.
“The skills needed to recreate the fountain were unbelievable. It’s been as difficult as any project we’ve worked on. We’ve used cutting edge technology in the form of laser scanning to create a 3D copy of the fountain, traditional wood carving and specialist casting.
“We even found as many old photographs as we could so that we could calculate the original angle all the cherubs and serpents faced. It isn’t just a replica, it’s an exact replica!"
A new pump and filtration system have been installed into the Pulham Rockwork, alongside a full restoration of the Pulhamite feature, meaning the waterfall can flow once again in the park.
Cllr Chris Ready, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: “The Coalbrookdale Fountain and the Pulham Feature are two ofMesnesPark’s historic treasures and it is wonderful to see them restored. This is a key moment in the £6.1m project to restore the park back to its former glory.”
Mesnes Park will celebrate the completion of the £6.1m project with a major event on Sunday 29 September. To find out more, visit www.wlct.org
THE Coalbrookdale Fountain in Mesnes Park is now flowing for the first time in almost 100 years. The fountain and the Pulham Feature have been restored to the park as part of a £6.1million project made possible by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Big Lottery Fund, Wigan Council and WLCT.
On Sunday 30 June the community came together to mark the occasion with a picnic in the park and music from Dr Jazz and the Cheshire Cats. Mayor of Wigan, Cllr Billy Rotherham, officially opened the structures.
Stuart Murray, Chief Executive at leisure provider WLCT, said: “We are delighted to see the Coalbrookdale Fountain and Pulham Feature restored and back where they belong. A lot of dedicated people have worked hard to see these historic structures reinstated and this event marked the culmination of their sterling efforts.”
The Mayor of Wigan, Cllr Billy Rotherham, said: “It's wonderful to see the fountain back to its former glory and returned to its rightful home. I hope our residents enjoy the monument and other improvements made atMesnes Park."
The Coalbrookdale Fountain, which was originally introduced in 1878 but removed in 1921, has been restored by local specialists Lost Art.
Managing Director of Lost Art Dominic Liptrot said: "For us this restoration began more than 18 months ago when we visited the Coalbrookdale Library and a replica inLurgan,Northern Ireland. It’s been full on ever since.
“The skills needed to recreate the fountain were unbelievable. It’s been as difficult as any project we’ve worked on. We’ve used cutting edge technology in the form of laser scanning to create a 3D copy of the fountain, traditional wood carving and specialist casting.
“We even found as many old photographs as we could so that we could calculate the original angle all the cherubs and serpents faced. It isn’t just a replica, it’s an exact replica!"
A new pump and filtration system have been installed into the Pulham Rockwork, alongside a full restoration of the Pulhamite feature, meaning the waterfall can flow once again in the park.
Cllr Chris Ready, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: “The Coalbrookdale Fountain and the Pulham Feature are two ofMesnesPark’s historic treasures and it is wonderful to see them restored. This is a key moment in the £6.1m project to restore the park back to its former glory.”
Mesnes Park will celebrate the completion of the £6.1m project with a major event on Sunday 29 September. To find out more, visit www.wlct.org
An ‘ace’ week to celebrate mini tennis
An ‘ace’ week to celebrate mini tennis
14 June 2013
IT’S National Mini Tennis Week and a variety of activities are taking place in Wigan to promote and celebrate this exciting children’s sport.
Local MP Lisa Nandy is backing the campaign and visited Robin Park Indoor Sports and Tennis Centre on Thursday 13th June to watch mini tennis in action, with a taster session for schools taking place, as well as a ‘Come and Try It’ cardio session.
Stuart Murray, Chief Executive at leisure provider WLCT, said: “Mini tennis is a fantastic way for children aged three-10 to discover the joys of the sport using smaller courts, nets and rackets and lower bouncing balls. We’ve already got squads established in Wigan and are looking forward to this campaign opening up the sport to even more youngsters.”
Coaches from WLCT are spreading the word about mini tennis throughout June. Activities include a trip to St Wilfrid’s School in Standish, a promotional event in the Galleries shopping centre on Saturday 15 and Saturday 22 June, and a further taster session at Robin Park on Sunday 23 June from 2-3pm.
If you would like to find out more about these events or how to get involved in mini tennis, contact Robin Park Sports and Tennis Centre Reception on 01942 828550 or the Tennis Office on 01942 824758.
National Mini Tennis Week, sponsored by Highland Spring, is taking place in schools, parks and tennis centres across the country.
Local MP Lisa Nandy is backing the campaign and visited Robin Park Indoor Sports and Tennis Centre on Thursday 13th June to watch mini tennis in action, with a taster session for schools taking place, as well as a ‘Come and Try It’ cardio session.
Stuart Murray, Chief Executive at leisure provider WLCT, said: “Mini tennis is a fantastic way for children aged three-10 to discover the joys of the sport using smaller courts, nets and rackets and lower bouncing balls. We’ve already got squads established in Wigan and are looking forward to this campaign opening up the sport to even more youngsters.”
Coaches from WLCT are spreading the word about mini tennis throughout June. Activities include a trip to St Wilfrid’s School in Standish, a promotional event in the Galleries shopping centre on Saturday 15 and Saturday 22 June, and a further taster session at Robin Park on Sunday 23 June from 2-3pm.
If you would like to find out more about these events or how to get involved in mini tennis, contact Robin Park Sports and Tennis Centre Reception on 01942 828550 or the Tennis Office on 01942 824758.
National Mini Tennis Week, sponsored by Highland Spring, is taking place in schools, parks and tennis centres across the country.
Creative project awarded £10,000 by Arts Council England
Creative project awarded £10,000 by Arts Council England
13 June 2013
AN inspiring project to help people sleeping rough or facing homelessness work towards a brighter future has been awarded £10,000 from the Arts Council’s National Lottery-funded Grants for the arts scheme.
Leisure and culture provider WLCT has secured the funding for the Hidden Voices project, a year-long programme to help people learn creative skills and re-engage with society.
In addition to the grant, partner organisations including Wigan Council, The Brick, Riverside Housing and Wigan Together Area Managers Groups have invested £15,000 to enable the year-long project to go ahead.
Vicky Fletcher, Arts Development Officer at WLCT, said: "I’m delighted that the Arts Council and our partner organisations have recognised the benefits of this project, which will make a real difference to people’s lives. People facing issues associated with homelessness such as drugs or alcohol will be encouraged to find a new way forward through the use of digital arts and media. They’ll have the chance to take part in film workshops and receive accredited training in photography and creative writing, to help provide a route back into employment. We’re really looking forward to getting this project off the ground."
Cllr Chris Ready, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: "The Hidden Voices project offers an innovative way to engage with homeless people and tackle some of the issues they may face. Projects like this open up new opportunities for those taking part and encourage them to follow a more independent life, which can lead to really positive outcomes for individuals and for the borough as a whole."
Jane Beardsworth, North West Regional Director, Arts Council England, said: "We’re committed to supporting work for people who don’t usually have an opportunity to engage in arts activities. This project in Wigan finds a really interesting way to enable people to take part in the arts and also supports our mission of Achieving great art for everyone."
The project will result in a public exhibition of work in Wigan North, Leigh, and Greater Manchester.
An arts educational pack will also be produced which will be distributed to local schools to highlight the risks and impact on the miss-use of alcohol and drugs, and a series of preventative workshops for young people will take place.
The full list of partner organisations supporting the project are Riverside Housing, The Brick, Coops Foyer, Wigan Council, Wigan Together Area Managers Groups, Arts Council England, Homeless Link (UK), Arts Awards (UK) accredited training, Curriculum Plus, Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester and Transport for Greater Manchester
Leisure and culture provider WLCT has secured the funding for the Hidden Voices project, a year-long programme to help people learn creative skills and re-engage with society.
In addition to the grant, partner organisations including Wigan Council, The Brick, Riverside Housing and Wigan Together Area Managers Groups have invested £15,000 to enable the year-long project to go ahead.
Vicky Fletcher, Arts Development Officer at WLCT, said: "I’m delighted that the Arts Council and our partner organisations have recognised the benefits of this project, which will make a real difference to people’s lives. People facing issues associated with homelessness such as drugs or alcohol will be encouraged to find a new way forward through the use of digital arts and media. They’ll have the chance to take part in film workshops and receive accredited training in photography and creative writing, to help provide a route back into employment. We’re really looking forward to getting this project off the ground."
Cllr Chris Ready, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: "The Hidden Voices project offers an innovative way to engage with homeless people and tackle some of the issues they may face. Projects like this open up new opportunities for those taking part and encourage them to follow a more independent life, which can lead to really positive outcomes for individuals and for the borough as a whole."
Jane Beardsworth, North West Regional Director, Arts Council England, said: "We’re committed to supporting work for people who don’t usually have an opportunity to engage in arts activities. This project in Wigan finds a really interesting way to enable people to take part in the arts and also supports our mission of Achieving great art for everyone."
The project will result in a public exhibition of work in Wigan North, Leigh, and Greater Manchester.
An arts educational pack will also be produced which will be distributed to local schools to highlight the risks and impact on the miss-use of alcohol and drugs, and a series of preventative workshops for young people will take place.
The full list of partner organisations supporting the project are Riverside Housing, The Brick, Coops Foyer, Wigan Council, Wigan Together Area Managers Groups, Arts Council England, Homeless Link (UK), Arts Awards (UK) accredited training, Curriculum Plus, Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester and Transport for Greater Manchester
Proposals for the Turnpike Gallery
Proposals for the Turnpike Gallery
07 June 2013
COMMUNITY groups are being invited to share their ideas about running Leigh’s Turnpike Gallery.
WLCT, who manage the Turnpike Centre on behalf of Wigan Council, today launched a consultation called an ‘Invitation for Proposals’ with the aim of encouraging community groups or individuals to come forward and share their ideas on how the gallery could be run in the future.
"All ideas big or small are welcome, we’d like to hear from as many community groups as possible interested in running the Turnpike Gallery in future," says Pete Gascoigne, Executive Director of Culture for WLCT. "Despite huge budget pressures we want the gallery and associated space on the first floor of the building to continue to be used for the promotion and exhibition of visual arts and crafts. In order to achieve this we want to work with a community group in future. This process starts with an Invitation of Proposals which outline how you or your organisation will deliver these services."
The changes are a result of central government spending cuts to local authorities. Wigan Council are required to reduce their budget by £75.6m by 2015/16.
By April 2014 WLCT’s contract with Wigan Council to manage leisure and cultural services will have reduced by £6.4m since the Government announced the Comprehensive Spending review in 2010. WLCT has reviewed its entire Wigan portfolio and identified savings during this period which, through innovation and working with community groups, have ensured many leisure and cultural services are still available to the public.
Cllr Chris Ready, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, added: "We have worked tremendously hard with our partners at WLCT to protect frontline leisure and culture services despite huge government cuts to town hall budgets.
"This has been achieved through pioneering new ways of delivery which includes strengthening links and working with community groups, friends of groups and volunteers who will play a key role in future."
These proposals only relate to the gallery on the first floor. WLCT will continue to manage the Turnpike Centre on Wigan Council’s behalf.
The Turnpike Gallery will continue to be run by WLCT in the immediate future as this new way of delivering exhibitions from the gallery is developed - there will be no immediate change. The ‘Invitation for Proposals’ consultation will end on Friday 5 July 2013.
To download a copy of the ‘Invitation for Proposals’ document visit wlct.org/turnpike, call in to the Turnpike Centre or call 01942 489 791 to request a copy and return to Turnpike Proposals, Leigh Library, Turnpike Centre, Civic Square, Leigh, WN7 1EB.
WLCT, who manage the Turnpike Centre on behalf of Wigan Council, today launched a consultation called an ‘Invitation for Proposals’ with the aim of encouraging community groups or individuals to come forward and share their ideas on how the gallery could be run in the future.
"All ideas big or small are welcome, we’d like to hear from as many community groups as possible interested in running the Turnpike Gallery in future," says Pete Gascoigne, Executive Director of Culture for WLCT. "Despite huge budget pressures we want the gallery and associated space on the first floor of the building to continue to be used for the promotion and exhibition of visual arts and crafts. In order to achieve this we want to work with a community group in future. This process starts with an Invitation of Proposals which outline how you or your organisation will deliver these services."
The changes are a result of central government spending cuts to local authorities. Wigan Council are required to reduce their budget by £75.6m by 2015/16.
By April 2014 WLCT’s contract with Wigan Council to manage leisure and cultural services will have reduced by £6.4m since the Government announced the Comprehensive Spending review in 2010. WLCT has reviewed its entire Wigan portfolio and identified savings during this period which, through innovation and working with community groups, have ensured many leisure and cultural services are still available to the public.
Cllr Chris Ready, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, added: "We have worked tremendously hard with our partners at WLCT to protect frontline leisure and culture services despite huge government cuts to town hall budgets.
"This has been achieved through pioneering new ways of delivery which includes strengthening links and working with community groups, friends of groups and volunteers who will play a key role in future."
These proposals only relate to the gallery on the first floor. WLCT will continue to manage the Turnpike Centre on Wigan Council’s behalf.
The Turnpike Gallery will continue to be run by WLCT in the immediate future as this new way of delivering exhibitions from the gallery is developed - there will be no immediate change. The ‘Invitation for Proposals’ consultation will end on Friday 5 July 2013.
To download a copy of the ‘Invitation for Proposals’ document visit wlct.org/turnpike, call in to the Turnpike Centre or call 01942 489 791 to request a copy and return to Turnpike Proposals, Leigh Library, Turnpike Centre, Civic Square, Leigh, WN7 1EB.
Try Reading
Try Reading
10 May 2013
ON the rugby pitch they're real winners and they've won every trophy the game has to offer. But now Wigan Warriors are about to take on a challenge of a different kind as they limber up and prepare to get down to some serious...reading.
To celebrate the launch of Wigan Borough's very own Try Reading project, the Warriors will be swapping passes for page-turners as they embark on their very own Six Book Challenge. The Warriors are the first full team to ever take up the challenge.
Try Reading is an exciting initiative that aims to promote and celebrate this year's Rugby League World Cup. More than 30 public library services across the North of England have joined forces to put on a host of reading and rugby-themed event in the run-up to this October's big kick-off.
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust (WLCT) is leading the Try Reading charge in Wigan Borough through its network of libraries.
On Wednesday May 8 Wigan Warriors took time out from their regular training session at Edge Hall Road, Orrell, to sign up to the scheme and become the first Rugby League team to take on the Six Book Challenge.
Wigan Libraries Outreach and Programme Manager Rita Devlin explains: “The Six Book Challenge is a national initiative from The Reading Agency that has been designed the help people get back into reading. All you have to do is choose six books you would like to read and then chart your progress in a diary.
“Wigan Warriors have agreed to take part in the challenge and the players who will be doing it will post regular updates on how they are doing on the club's website.
“There will be lots of other events taking place as part of Try Reading and we hope that the Warriors' involvement will turn lots more people on to the joys of reading.”
So, will Sam Tomkins be sifting through Sense and Sensibility after the showers? Or will Pat Richards be pondering Pride and Prejudice during the pre-match interviews? We'll all have to wait find out.
Warriors' captain Sean O'Loughlin says: “Many people will think that the lads would rather take on the St Helen's pack single-handedly than open a book but the truth is slightly different.
“Readingis a great way to relax and unwind. It takes your mind off the pressures of the game and many of the players like nothing more than getting into a good book.
“We're all looking forward to taking the Six Book Challenge. We hope it lets our young fans know that reading is really important and will give you pleasure for your whole life.”
Funded with an award from the National Lottery supported £6 million Grants for the arts libraries fund through Arts Council England, Try Reading covers a geographical area spanning from the Wirral toHull. In the run-up to the World Cup there are more than 150 planned events that will help hundreds of people not only get into reading, but writing and drama as well.
In Wigan Borough, the Wigan Warriors won't be the only ones promoting the project. Not to be outdone by their near neighbours, the Leigh Centurions will be starting their very own Six Book Challenge later in May.
Wigan Council's Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Cllr Chris Ready says: “We're really proud and pleased that the Warriors and the Centurions are supporting this initiative.
“Once again our borough is leading the way in sport and culture because they are the first teams to take part. The Rugby League World Cup will be coming to our borough this year and we want everyone to be part of it. You can start now by visiting your local library and finding out more about Try Reading and the Six Book Challenge.
“We know all the players taking part in the project will give it their very best. These guys are real winners and the message to everyone is: winners read.”
To celebrate the launch of Wigan Borough's very own Try Reading project, the Warriors will be swapping passes for page-turners as they embark on their very own Six Book Challenge. The Warriors are the first full team to ever take up the challenge.
Try Reading is an exciting initiative that aims to promote and celebrate this year's Rugby League World Cup. More than 30 public library services across the North of England have joined forces to put on a host of reading and rugby-themed event in the run-up to this October's big kick-off.
Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust (WLCT) is leading the Try Reading charge in Wigan Borough through its network of libraries.
On Wednesday May 8 Wigan Warriors took time out from their regular training session at Edge Hall Road, Orrell, to sign up to the scheme and become the first Rugby League team to take on the Six Book Challenge.
Wigan Libraries Outreach and Programme Manager Rita Devlin explains: “The Six Book Challenge is a national initiative from The Reading Agency that has been designed the help people get back into reading. All you have to do is choose six books you would like to read and then chart your progress in a diary.
“Wigan Warriors have agreed to take part in the challenge and the players who will be doing it will post regular updates on how they are doing on the club's website.
“There will be lots of other events taking place as part of Try Reading and we hope that the Warriors' involvement will turn lots more people on to the joys of reading.”
So, will Sam Tomkins be sifting through Sense and Sensibility after the showers? Or will Pat Richards be pondering Pride and Prejudice during the pre-match interviews? We'll all have to wait find out.
Warriors' captain Sean O'Loughlin says: “Many people will think that the lads would rather take on the St Helen's pack single-handedly than open a book but the truth is slightly different.
“Readingis a great way to relax and unwind. It takes your mind off the pressures of the game and many of the players like nothing more than getting into a good book.
“We're all looking forward to taking the Six Book Challenge. We hope it lets our young fans know that reading is really important and will give you pleasure for your whole life.”
Funded with an award from the National Lottery supported £6 million Grants for the arts libraries fund through Arts Council England, Try Reading covers a geographical area spanning from the Wirral toHull. In the run-up to the World Cup there are more than 150 planned events that will help hundreds of people not only get into reading, but writing and drama as well.
In Wigan Borough, the Wigan Warriors won't be the only ones promoting the project. Not to be outdone by their near neighbours, the Leigh Centurions will be starting their very own Six Book Challenge later in May.
Wigan Council's Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Cllr Chris Ready says: “We're really proud and pleased that the Warriors and the Centurions are supporting this initiative.
“Once again our borough is leading the way in sport and culture because they are the first teams to take part. The Rugby League World Cup will be coming to our borough this year and we want everyone to be part of it. You can start now by visiting your local library and finding out more about Try Reading and the Six Book Challenge.
“We know all the players taking part in the project will give it their very best. These guys are real winners and the message to everyone is: winners read.”
Coalbrookdale Fountain set to make a splash in Wigan
Coalbrookdale Fountain set to make a splash in Wigan
29 May 2013
AN historic Wigan landmark is back more than 90 years after it was last seen.
As part of Mesnes Park’s £6.1m restoration the Coalbrookdale Fountain was craned back into place on Thursday 30 May. Full installation is expected to be completed by Wednesday 5 June.
First introduced in 1878, the fountain was removed in 1921 after being filled in some years earlier.
Almost a century later the Coalbrookdale Fountain is being reinstated and restored in all its resplendent glory.
For Wigan restoration specialist Lost Art, restoring the beautiful fountain has been a labour of love and one of their trickiest restorations.
Managing Director of Lost Art Dominic Liptrot said: "For us this restoration began more than 18 months ago when we visited the Coalbrookdale Library and a replica in Lurgan, Northern Ireland. It’s been full on ever since.
"The skills needed to recreate the fountain were unbelievable. It’s been as difficult as any project we’ve worked on. We’ve used cutting edge technology in the form of laser scanning to create a 3D copy of the fountain, traditional wood carving and specialist casting.
"We even found as many old photographs as we could so that we could calculate the original angle all the cherubs and serpents faced. It isn’t just a replica, it’s an exact replica!"
Working with JT & E Castings in Wigan, those Victorian images of dolphins, serpents and cherubs will soon be gushing with water in Mesnes Park.
Stuart Murray, Chief Executive of WLCT which manages the park on behalf of Wigan Council, said: "Lost Art have gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure that the replica is exact in every detail. It will be a wonderful addition to what is an exceptional restoration of Mesnes Park and we can’t wait to see it in all its glory."
Chris Ready, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: "This wonderful restoration scheme is heading into its final stages and this fountain really is the icing on the cake."
Mayor of Wigan Cllr Billy Rotherham will officially unveil the fountain as part of a civic reception at a Picnic in the Park celebration on Sunday 30 June. There will be live music from Dr Jazz and the Jazz Cats between 12pm till 2pm, with the mayor formally unveiling the fountain at 1pm.
Mesnes Park’s magnificent restoration will continue at pace over the next few months and WLCT, manager of the site, is currently planning a celebration in September to mark completion.
Mesnes Park’s restoration has been made possible through a £6.1m investment by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Big Lottery Fund, Wigan Council and WLCT.
As part of Mesnes Park’s £6.1m restoration the Coalbrookdale Fountain was craned back into place on Thursday 30 May. Full installation is expected to be completed by Wednesday 5 June.
First introduced in 1878, the fountain was removed in 1921 after being filled in some years earlier.
Almost a century later the Coalbrookdale Fountain is being reinstated and restored in all its resplendent glory.
For Wigan restoration specialist Lost Art, restoring the beautiful fountain has been a labour of love and one of their trickiest restorations.
Managing Director of Lost Art Dominic Liptrot said: "For us this restoration began more than 18 months ago when we visited the Coalbrookdale Library and a replica in Lurgan, Northern Ireland. It’s been full on ever since.
"The skills needed to recreate the fountain were unbelievable. It’s been as difficult as any project we’ve worked on. We’ve used cutting edge technology in the form of laser scanning to create a 3D copy of the fountain, traditional wood carving and specialist casting.
"We even found as many old photographs as we could so that we could calculate the original angle all the cherubs and serpents faced. It isn’t just a replica, it’s an exact replica!"
Working with JT & E Castings in Wigan, those Victorian images of dolphins, serpents and cherubs will soon be gushing with water in Mesnes Park.
Stuart Murray, Chief Executive of WLCT which manages the park on behalf of Wigan Council, said: "Lost Art have gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure that the replica is exact in every detail. It will be a wonderful addition to what is an exceptional restoration of Mesnes Park and we can’t wait to see it in all its glory."
Chris Ready, Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, said: "This wonderful restoration scheme is heading into its final stages and this fountain really is the icing on the cake."
Mayor of Wigan Cllr Billy Rotherham will officially unveil the fountain as part of a civic reception at a Picnic in the Park celebration on Sunday 30 June. There will be live music from Dr Jazz and the Jazz Cats between 12pm till 2pm, with the mayor formally unveiling the fountain at 1pm.
Mesnes Park’s magnificent restoration will continue at pace over the next few months and WLCT, manager of the site, is currently planning a celebration in September to mark completion.
Mesnes Park’s restoration has been made possible through a £6.1m investment by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Big Lottery Fund, Wigan Council and WLCT.
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