Wigan Album

A town to be proud of then. It looks classy and clean. It was another world compared to now.

Just how I remember it !

Right, is this taken from the point of view of standing roughly where the later alleyway between the new market hall and Morrisons was, with the picture taker's back to the Gas showrooms ?

it looked much the same till the mid 70's when Hope street church was demolished.

Yes Gareth, it is taken from where you have identified it from.

Hang your heads in shame ALL wigan councillors !!

Your right Irene, these old photos do bring back a lot of memories.They are brilliant.I remember Whelans when it first opend.What a novelty it was to put your own shopping in a basket, instead of queuing at a counter to be served.

It looks absolutely fabulous, I was born in the wrong era. What a shame to see what it’s come to now

There was a little cafe, Baked Potato just on the bus station block I used to go for breakfast when at tech.

I had totally forgotten about that incredible building on the left and cannot recall it being in use. Was it a church, it looks huge!
Like most building of the time the stonework was blackened by industrial grime.
I cannot remember the frontage onto Mesnes Street. It Would be brilliant to see more pictures of this build and it's history

Colin Traynor - It was Hope Congregational Church, demolished 1973/74.

Thanks Tony, of course Hope Street was on one side and Marsden Street on the other.
I'm not particularly religious but sad to see this and other great church buildings and architecture in Wigan demolished.