wigan casino
DESCRIPTION
An example of the layout to be usedTRANSCRIPT
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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