A £12million master-plan has been unveiled to transform Haigh Hall and Country Park in Wigan into a luxury 30-bedroom four-star hotel.

The new ‘Haigh Woodland Park’ will also include a spa and fitness centre plus a kitchen courtyard within the existing stables block. An outdoor adventure zone will be created featuring a high ropes area and an adventure golf course as well as heritage trails and bike routes with a new cycle centre on site.

The hotel development will be masterminded by Contessa Hotels who also operate the 18-bedroom Hillbark Hotel on the Wirral in Cheshire.

Planning permission for the proposals has been submitted. Contessa Hotels should complete the refurbishment of the hall within two years, with most of the work completed within 12 months of planning approval.

Haigh Hall is a Grade II-listed property set in 250 acres of woodland on the outskirts of Wigan. It was built between 1827 and 1840 and remained in private hands until it was sold in 1947 to the Metropolitan Borough of Wigan which runs it as conference centre and wedding venue. The new hotel will continue to be owned by Wigan Council.

Details: www.wigan.gov.uk