Fletcher Rae was commissioned by the Heaton Group in 2022 to develop a comprehensive masterplan for the Eckersley Mills complex—one of the largest collections of listed mill buildings in the country. Located on the edge of Wigan town centre, the site represents a significant regeneration opportunity, with ambitions to deliver a new mixed-use destination incorporating residential, commercial and leisure uses.

Working closely with the client, Wigan Council’s Planning and Conservation teams, Historic England and the wider consultant team, we developed a residential-led masterplan that retains and celebrates the historic mill buildings while enabling sensitive new development. The proposals aim to maximise the reuse of the listed structures, support long-term economic growth and create a vibrant place just beyond the town centre.

In 2024, hybrid planning permission was secured for the scheme, comprising a combination of detailed and outline consents. Detailed approvals were granted for the refurbishment of two listed buildings for leisure uses, alongside outline permission for up to 850 new-build apartments, including later-living accommodation and a 150-bed hotel.

Separate detailed consents were also achieved for Listed Mills 1 and 3. Proposals for Mill 1 included large open-plan commercial floorspace, a rooftop extension with bar and terrace, and an activated ground floor featuring a food market and traditional public house. Mill 3 was initially approved for conversion into 137 contemporary one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, incorporating generous lightwells formed through new internal voids. This element of the masterplan has since evolved and been redesigned as a new commercial building in response to the wider regeneration strategy.