Another piece in Pier jigsaw

Monday 5th November 2007

Wigan's flagship £70million Pier Quarter development is set to move another step nearer completion.

Long-established funeral directors Middleton & Woods are to relocate away from Pottery Road, allowing Pier developers Nuttall to get on with redeveloping the area around Trencherfield Mill, where there are plans for a new hotel.

An agreement between Middleton & Woods and Wigan Council will see Nuttall build the funeral directors improved new premises at rose Bridge.

Meanwhile, the old Middleton & Woods premises will be replaced by another four storey building, with one floor of commercial space and three residential.

Councillor John O'Neill, Cabinet Champion for Regeneration and Deputy Leader of Wigan Council says:

"This is a significant step forward - a vibrant, attractive entrance on Pottery Road is integral to the whole development.

"A good partnership working between the council, our development partner and Middleton & Woods has resulted in a practical solution that is to everyone's long term advantage. We wish the company continued success in its new home."

Middleton & Woods' relocation was not without difficulties: the Rose Bridge was found to be contaminated with Japanese Knotweed, eradicated thanks to prompt and effective action by the council-contracted Thurlow Countryside Management.