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As part of the evolving Parks strategy,
Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust is focusing resources to improve local
parks in conjunction with the local community to develop parks that are
fit for purpose for the 21st century.
To help achieve this, we are
developing the parks on a rolling program basis to enable us to apply
for, and achieve, Green Flag status.
Details of the parks that are
currently undergoing Green Flag applications follow below.
Pennington Hall Park
The park was presented to Leigh Corporation by local brewers Messer’s
George Shaw and Company Limited.
The floral opening of the park took place on Saturday 28th August 1920.
The Mayor, who was presented with a golden key on the occasion,
officially opened the hall. The hall was used as a museum and art
gallery. The grounds were adapted from the gardens of the hall and the
work was carried out under an unemployment relief scheme.
The earliest records of a hall on the site are from 1200’s when it was
owned by the Pennington family; the last hall was demolished in 1963
when it was found to have dry rot. There are many links between the park
and Leigh’s rich heritage, we are planning a feature in the park that
will encourage you to investigate those links.
The park is now managed by Wigan leisure and Culture Trust on behalf of
Wigan Council. There is a five year management plan to update the
facilities in the park.
Friends of Pennington Hall Park
The ‘Friends of Pennington Hall Park’ are an important partner in the
future of the park. Their role is to make sure that the park provides
for the needs of the local community. If you would like to get involved,
we’d love to hear from you – everyone is welcome.
Information about the day-to-day management of the park, events and
activities and how to join the Friends group can be obtained from the
Parks Activities Team on 01942 766708.
Various events are held throughout the year including band concerts,
crown green bowling tuition, health walks, tai chi and environmental
activities with the ranger.
Travel Information
The car park is at the top of Pennington Avenue.
Car: From Leigh town centre take the A572 south. The park is situated
less than half a mile on the right hand side. The car park is at the end
of Pennington Avenue, signposted immediately on the right before the
zebra crossing.
From A580 take A579 to the first set of traffic lights turn right at
lights towards Leigh. The park is situated less than a quarter of a mile
on the left hand side. The car park is at the end of Pennington Avenue,
signposted immediately left after the zebra crossing.
Bus: From Leigh Bus Station 596 to Chestnut Avenue/St Helens Road
Disabled Access: There are three disabled persons car parking places, a
RADAR key accessible toilet, most of the paths are well surface and
fairly level. We hop to install inclusive play equipment in the play
areas.
Pennington Hall Park
St Helens Road
Leigh
WN7 3RU
Park Ranger Office: 01942 766708
Out of Hours Emergencies: 01942 404040
Alexandra Park
The fifteen acres on which Alexandra Park is laid out, were given by
Colonel Hollinshead Blundell, MP for Ince, and the landowner/proprietor
of Pemberton Collieries.
An extra one thousand square yards, needed to make the shape of the park
symmetrical, were donated by Lord Ellesmere. The park was opened by
Colonel Blundell in April 1903. When the Colonel died three years later
a monument to him was erected in the park. The monument was unveiled in
October 1907.
The Wigan Observer of 22nd October 1907 gave a description of the
monument: “The monument was described as an obelisk of polished blue
pearl granite with steps of unpolished granite. Drinking fountains were
provided in connection therewith, with bronzed lion heads, and at the
lower part of the obelisk is a medallion portrait of the gallant
colonel, this being a striking likeness.”
The obelisk stands approximately eighteen feet high. The sculptor was J
F Millson of Manchester and the cost was £460, paid for by public
subscription.
In 1921 the opening of the new bowling green was brought forward to
provide recreation for local miners who had been locked out in an
industrial dispute.
In 1929 an additional two acres were added to the park. By 1950 it
contained two bowling greens, eight tennis courts, a putting green and a
children’s playground. Major alterations took place in 1988, notably the
removal of hedgerow borders to create a more natural open space in
keeping with modern tastes.
The park is now managed by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust on behalf of
Wigan Council. There is a five year Management Plan to update the
facilities in the park.
Friends of Alexandra Park
The “Friends of Alexandra Park” are an important partner in the future
of the park. Their role is to make sure that the park provides for the
needs of the local community. If you would like to get involved, we’d
love to hear from you – everyone is welcome.
Information about day to day management of the park, events and
activities and how to join the Friends Group can be obtained from the
Parks Activities Team on 01942 245369.
Travel Information
The car park is adjacent to the main park gates off Warrington Road and
has three disabled bays.
Car: From M6 J26 turn right on to Orrell Road/Ormskirk Road A577 heading
for Wigan town centre. Upon entering Pemberton turn right on to Enfield
Street continue to the end. Turn left on to Billinge Road/Victoria
Street A571, Alexandra Park is your left.
Bus: 326, 352, 362, 385, 395, 621, 627, 638, 637, X80 stop along
Ormskirk Road.
Routes 6231, 632 stop along Victoria Street.
Train: Wigan Central Station and Wigan Northern Line is situated in
Wigan town centre approximately one mile away from the east of the site.
Pemberton Station is situated to the west also within one mile.
Foot: Alexandra Park provides a doorstop provision for the community in
Newton. It is also a short ten/fifteen minute walk from Worsley Mesnes
North, Norley East, Worsley Hall North and Worsley Hall.
Alexandra Park
Warrington Road
Newton
Wigan
Park Ranger Office : 01942 245369
Out of Hours Emergencies : 01942 404040
All Year Round
Various events are held throughout the year including physical based
activities such as football, rounders, netball, basketball, boxercise,
dance, BMX bikes and skate boarding. The Trust Play Team organise events
for children whilst the ranger provides environmental based activities.
More sedate events include Tai Chi and bowls tuition. Every year the
local St Marks Church organise the ‘Party in the Park’, an event aimed a
local young people and family groups and attracting well over 2000
people.
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Aerial view of Pennington Hall Park
Flowerbed at Pennington Hall Park
Alexandra Park
Pathway through Alexandra Park |