Grade L
Royal Hotel
Jcn Standishgate & Station Road, Wigan
Listed Date: 00/00/0000
Part of Group:
At Risk: No
Part of Group:
At Risk: No
Description
1893 - Architect - George Heaton
Description of the Changes,
In 1892, Wigan architect George Heaton prepared ambitious plans to remodel the Royal Hotel in Standishgate for its owner, James Smith. Rather than simply modernising the existing building, the proposal sought to transform what was described as the "present ugly building" into a handsome and up-to-date hotel that would better meet the growing needs of the town.
Although the overall footprint of the hotel was to remain unchanged, Heaton's design completely reorganised the ground floor. The front of the hotel would retain the same number of principal rooms, while a new Market Room, overlooking the side street leading towards the railway station, would replace the small bar parlour. The main bar itself was to be enlarged and made more convenient for both customers and staff.
To improve the layout further, Heaton designed a separate Outdoor Department, similar in size to the existing tap room, with its own entrance from the side street. One of the most significant improvements was the relocation of all public entrances from the rear yard to the street frontage, making the hotel far more accessible and presenting a more welcoming appearance.
During the licensing hearing, a representative of the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway Company pointed out that the side street serving the railway station was private property. Heaton assured the magistrates that an agreement had already been reached with the railway company and that all boundary issues had been satisfactorily resolved.
Heaton's scheme reflected the changing expectations of late Victorian public houses and hotels, placing greater emphasis on attractive architecture, improved circulation, and customer comfort. The remodelling would have created a more imposing and practical establishment in one of Wigan's principal streets, demonstrating Heaton's ability to combine architectural enhancement with commercial functionality.
Read about the life and works of George Heaton - Link
