SOUL

ISSUE NUMBER 01

SOUL is the comprehensive guide to the revitalisation of an

iconic venue in Wigan Town Centre.

The following newspaper has been produced to create a specific site

analysis for a redevelopment of the Wigan Casino; the one and only

place for an amazing all-nighter during the seventies!

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P/9IMAGE COURTESY OF BBC.CO.UK

DESIGN PROPOSAL

“The Heart of Soul” and “Keep the Faith” , are two of the most famous quotes related to the musical entity known as Northern Soul!

The renowned Wigan Casino was voted as the world’s greatest disco during the seventies and led to one of the most influential movements in

the history of dance music. This was not just a club; but a way of life. Many of the people that attended the soul event felt as if they belonged to

a community and did actually travel from venue to venue to get their fix of the dance phenomenon. The chance for many to meet up with their

friends meant the all-nighter at Wigan Casino has been defined by many as the best night around.

Wigan Casino’s atmosphere was primarily generated by the crowd’s yearning to dance to their favourite songs. Many of the people would jump

on the first coach that departed from the bus station that took them to the next venue, and others would go to the local swimming baths to wake

themselves up before proceeding with the day.

I would like to redevelop the Wigan Casino on the original site, adding a contemporary aspect to the design phase, whilst also including green

space (public) and accommodation. The need for accommodation on site would possibly create the complete experience, giving the majority of the

people the option to stay with friends for as long as possible then retire to comfort, whether that be in individual pods or actual bedrooms created

for two or more people.

I would like for Wigan to, yet again, become the central hub for many Northern Soul fans, and with this, the possibility of more tourism to the city

centre allowing the economy around the site to flourish.

Topography

The centre of Wigan is located on a hill side

with a change in height from the lowest point

at the River Douglas (+31.7m) to the highest

point at the All Saints Church (+43.6m).

The site could have possible overlooking issues

to the west and the east. The existing retail

buildings adjacent to the site will look down on

the site, whilst across the river there are three

tower blocks that make up Scholes Village,

which will also look in to the site.

There are no Tree Preservation Order’s within

the site or the town centre boundary. Any trees

over which measure 7.5cm when measured

1.5m from the ground, within the conservation

area are protected from being topped, lopped

or felled.

Tree Preservation Orders

Information retrieved from Wigan Council Websites conservation area appraisal form.

Lowest and highest levels taken from CAD OS map to determine undulation of site.

The information has been gained by visiting the site and checking the surroundings.

Area of site = 31,032.62 m2 approx.

Perimeter of site = 946 m approx.

North to south = 344.2 m approx.

West to east = 191.81 m approx.

There appears to be no protected species

on site that would need conservation. The

surrounding sites are primarily in use as retail

buildings and therefore the surrounding areas

have no issues.

The sites geology consists of superficial

deposits of clay, silt, sand and gravel (alluvium).

The local environment was previously

dominated by rivers.

Data taken from the Digimaps CAD OS map and checked through the Digimaps website.

Used Wigan Council’s website to try and find data. Data found on the British Geological Survey website (www.bgs.ac.uk).

Site Boundaries

Over Looking Issues

Site Ecology

Site Geology

SITE CONTEXT

The chosen site is located within the Eastern Gateway of the town centre. The area contains a variety of building uses and built forms creating a

distinct quarter on the fringe of the town centre. The surrounding area has an overwhelming lack of open space for pedestrians to enjoy and relax,

making the town centre very commercial based.

A new development project would create more interest in Wigan town centre, creating more opportunities to fill vacant or derelict premises that

are prominent throughout the Eastern Gateway.

Noise

The centre of Wigan is located on a hill side

with a change in height from the lowest point

at the River Douglas (+31.7m) to the highest

point at the All Saints Church (+43.6m).

The site could have possible overlooking issues

to the west and the east. The existing retail

buildings adjacent to the site will look down on

the site, whilst across the river there are three

tower blocks that make up Scholes Village,

which will also look in to the site.

There are no Tree Preservation Order’s within

the site or the town centre boundary. Any trees

over which measure 7.5cm when measured

1.5m from the ground, within the conservation

area are protected from being topped, lopped

or felled.

Tree Preservation Orders

Information retrieved from Wigan Council Websites conservation area appraisal form.

Lowest and highest levels taken from CAD OS map to determine undulation of site.

The information has been gained by visiting the site and checking the surroundings.

Area of site = 31,032.62 m2 approx.

Perimeter of site = 946 m approx.

North to south = 344.2 m approx.

West to east = 191.81 m approx.

There appears to be no protected species

on site that would need conservation. The

surrounding sites are primarily in use as retail

buildings and therefore the surrounding areas

have no issues.

The sites geology consists of superficial

deposits of clay, silt, sand and gravel (alluvium).

The local environment was previously

dominated by rivers.

Data taken from the Digimaps CAD OS map and checked through the Digimaps website.

Used Wigan Council’s website to try and find data. Data found on the British Geological Survey website (www.bgs.ac.uk).

Pollution

Over Looking Issues Site Ecology

Site Geology

Wigan

London

Wigan

Manchester

Liverpool

Preston

SITE LOCATION

England

Lancashire

Wigan is located in an excellent

position surrounded by major

transport links coming from

Manchester, Liverpool, Blackpool and

Preston.

The main train line connecting Wigan

and London Euston allows commuters

to move between each location in

approximately two hours.

Motorway

A Roads

B Roads and Street

Wigan Town Centre

Scale 1: 2500

Image Courtesy of Digimaps AutoCAD download

SITE HISTORY

Wigan Town Centre map showing site

location in comparison to the town. The

map dates from between 1969 - 1996,

and this map shows the Civic Centre

that is still next to the site at tis present

day.

Wigan Town Centre map showing site

location in comparison to the town. The

map dates from between 1924 - 1949,

and this map does not show the Civic

Centre, but stil shows the layout of the

site with a road running through the

centre with entertainment buildings

either side.

Scale 1: 10000

Scale 1: 1250

Image Courtesy of Digimaps History MapImage Courte

sy of Digimaps History Map

Wigan Town Centre map showing site

location in comparison to the town. The

map dates from between 1944 - 1969,

and this map does not show the Civic

Centre. The building labelled ‘Hall’, was

the previous site location for the Casino

Club building just adjacent from the Ritz

Cinema.

Scale 1: 2500

Wigan Town Centre map showing site

location in comparison to the town. The

map dates from between 1848 - 1908,

and this map does not clearly resemble

the town layout in the 1950’s.

Scale 1: 500

Image Courtesy of Digimaps History MapIm

age Courtesy of Digimaps Histo

ry M

ap

SITE PHOTOGRAPHS

This photograph shows the site boundary on the west side of the site in

relation to the vehicular access for the proposed site.

A multi-storey car park is conveniently positioned on the southern

side of the site allowing for easy access parking from the A49 that runs

parallel to the site on the eastern boundary.

There is an existing pedestrian footpath that runs through the site that

allows pedestrian access at the rear of the existing Civic Centre.

The entrance to the multi-storey car park has it’s own access road to

reduce congestion from the A49.

The southern part of the site has hoarding erected to protect that part

of the site as it is currently derelict with the opportunity to include this

space in the design.

The main road runs parallel to the site on the western boundary and

therefore safety precautions will need to be acknowledged in the design

proposal.

The photographs on this page were taken by the author. The images imitate the walk around the boundary of the site starting from the west and following the building south.

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The existing building is located right on the boundary of the site with

the pavement leading straight up to the external wall.

The existing structure has a circular car park entry ramp that spirals to

the roof structure. The image was taken from the opposite side of the

A49 showing the size of the structure in relation to the environment. This

view is looking to the south.

The existing building on the site has a variety of material looks trying to

achieve the desired aesthetic of the surrounding structures.

The image represents the size and materiality of the structure. This view

is looking to the west.

The entrance to the upper level parking is accessed via Crompton Street.

The traffic can only flow one way when entering and exiting the spiral

ramp.

The Grand Arcade currently has a deliveries only entrance but this allows

for another possible access road on site.

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Scale 1:1250

The view along the existing western facades showing main pedestrian

footpaths next to the site.

Entering the Grand Arcade to visually see the scale of the building, there

is memorabilia from the Wigan Casino that previously stood on this site.

The existing main entrance feature to the Grand Arcade shopping mall.

Artwork depicting the entrance scene at the Casino Club.

Photograph taken from rooftop car park showing views from the top of

the structure aswell as showing the impressive entrance feature to the

car park.

A pedestrian access/exit is located directly behind the civic centre and

can be easily accessed from the western side of the site (Millgate).

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WIGAN TOWN CENTRE

Map Key

Site Boundary

Commercial Properties

Public and Service Buildings

Mixed Use

Existing Bars and Clubs

River Douglas

Pedestrian Access

Vehicular Access

River Way (A49)

Bus Station

Railway Station

Posts used to restricttraffic

Scale 1:1250

Imag

e Courtesy of Di

gimaps AutoCAD download

WIGAN TOWN CENTRE

Site Location

Site Boundary

Listed Buildings

Townscape Merit(not listed)

River Douglas

Conservation Area

City Centre Boundary

Vehicle Right of Way

Upper Car Park (Customers)

Deliveries Access

Main Pedestrian Access

Secondary PedestrianAccess

Multi-storey Car Park(Entrance)

Multi-storey Car Park(Exit)

Image Courtesy of Digimaps AutoCAD download

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Scale 1:1250

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