Next phase of landmark scheme hinges on funding arrival
Developers of Wigan’s Cotton Works say the project is poised for its most significant phase yet, as they prepare to begin work on Mill Three — the large block nearest Swan Meadow Road — once a £25m loan from the region’s Good Growth Fund is released. The 16‑acre transformation of the former Eckersley’s Mills has already drawn strong local interest, but its backers argue the coming 12 months could prove decisive for the wider site.
Momentum has been building at the historic complex, where the first restored main building — often referred to as Mill One — now houses popular attractions including Feast at the Mills, the Three Mills Ale House and the recently opened Factory Floor “social playground”, alongside frequently used padel courts. However, substantial sections of the estate remain to be redeveloped, with Mill Three identified as the next priority for conversion into commercial accommodation.
Shift from homes to jobs in response to demand
Plans for Mill One were originally set to deliver apartments, but the developer pivoted after what it describes as sustained business demand for workspace. The building is being filled with commercial tenants, including a proposed gymnasium and health and wellbeing centre, which would be open to the public as well as site occupiers. Alongside these, an over‑55s supported development and a nursery are due to be created. Collectively, these elements are predicted to support around 670 jobs when fully operational, according to the developer’s projections.
Attention is now turning to unlocking Mill Three. The schedule remains tied to the receipt of the £25m loan pledged earlier this year via the Good Growth Fund. The award followed recognition for progress already achieved at Mill One and came shortly after a high‑profile visit to the site. The development team say they are hopeful the finance will be confirmed soon, providing the green light to begin construction activity.
“From putting the first spade in the ground on Mill 3 we would expect it to be ready within 18 months to two years. We would like to get going in the third or fourth quarter of this year, but of course that is dependent on the Good Growth Fund money coming through.”
That timeline was set out by Lee Dalgleish, head of commercial at site owner and developer The Heaton Group, who emphasised the start date hinges entirely on the loan landing.
Public‑backed finance at the heart of delivery
The Good Growth Fund backing — identified by the developer as having been approved under the tenure of the then Greater Manchester Mayor — is seen as crucial to bringing forward the next block. The scheme’s supporters argue the intervention recognises both the site’s heritage value and its potential to generate jobs and footfall close to Wigan town centre. With Mill Three still part‑derelict, early works would focus on making the shell safe, serviced and suitable for incoming firms, in line with the new commercial‑led approach.
While the developer underlines the popularity of the Factory Floor venue, which has been trading strongly since opening, they insist the broader prize is a connected urban village offering places to work, exercise and access support services. The nursery and over‑55s supported accommodation are positioned as complementary uses aimed at extending activity through the day and week, while the gym and wellbeing offer is intended to be accessible beyond the tenant base.
What residents can expect next
- Funding confirmation: The immediate milestone is the arrival of the £25m Good Growth Fund loan that would unlock Mill Three.
- Construction start: If the finance is received promptly, enabling works on Mill Three could begin later this year, with an estimated build period of 18–24 months thereafter.
- Local access: The proposed gym and wellbeing centre are intended to be open to Wigan residents, not only site tenants.
With demand having steered the scheme firmly towards employment space, the developer maintains that the combination of commercial floorspace and community‑facing facilities will broaden opportunities for local people. The predicted 670 jobs associated with the current pipeline would, if realised, represent a substantial boost tied closely to the town’s historic industrial heartland.
Key figures at a glance
| Site | Former Eckersley’s Mills (Cotton Works), Wigan |
|---|---|
| Size | 16 acres |
| Next phase | Redevelopment of Mill Three for commercial use |
| Public loan | £25m (Good Growth Fund) |
| Job outlook | Up to 670 jobs predicted |
| Indicative build time | 18 months to 2 years (from start on Mill Three) |
As with all complex regeneration, timings will ultimately depend on formalising finance and sequencing works across multiple buildings. For residents and businesses watching the site’s evolution, the message is that the next chapter rests on the Good Growth Fund proceeds being released — after which, the developer says, shovels could follow swiftly.
