Masonic hall in Wigan to be transformed into school

The Pemberton Masonic hall in Wigan has hosted numerous events and celebrations over the years

A special school is to be created at a Masonic hall in Wigan after it closes its doors for the final time later this month. Wigan council has agreed the use of Masonic hall on Chapel Street in Pemberton as a school.

The two-storey hall has been used over the years to host events and celebrations, including wedding receptions, christenings, charity functions and sports club dinners.

Applicant Northridge Education Group, which is based in Bamber Bridge, describes itself as ‘a multi-service care provider’ across Lancashire and the North West.

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Its website states that in 2027, it intends to open two specialist SEND schools in Wigan and Chorley to ‘cater to young people with a range of special educational needs and disabilities, providing the specialist support that mainstream settings often can’t’.

In March, Wigan council decided that using the building as a school would not constitute a material change of use as both the existing lawful use of the site as a community hall and the proposed use as a school fall within the same category.

Earlier this year Wigan and Leigh Masonic group said that the Pemberton Masonic Hall would be closing at the end of May. Orrell lodge, who were based at the hall, will move to their new home at Hindley Masonic Hall.

In the past week, a planning application was lodged by Northridge for alterations to the building including installing exterior cladding and additional windows and doors.

The application states that alterations are also sought ‘to parking layout following creation of playing field and sensory garden and erection of 2.45 metre high mesh and timber boundary fencing’.

The planning statement describes minor changes to the layout of the site. It said: “There are no major changes. Existing site entrances will be used for drop off only and the rear for staff only access.

“The spaces within the site and surrounding the building will retain the hard-standing as well as introducing grass for a more pleasant site atmosphere.”

Northridge said the Pemberton site would be its ‘first specialist school, designed from the ground up to provide outstanding SEND education with fully integrated clinical and therapeutic services’.

It added: “Set in the heart of Wigan, this school will offer a nurturing, purpose-built environment for young people who need a different approach to education.”

Prior to being sold, the building was marketed by estate agents Fazakerley Sharpe with a price tag of £650,000. Planners at Wigan council will consider the building alteration plans in the coming weeks.