Grimes Arcade, 22 & 24 King Street, Wigan

An exceptional opportunity to acquire Grimes Arcade, one of Wigan’s most distinctive and historically significant town-centre buildings.

Occupying a prominent position on King Street, Grimes Arcade is a Grade II listed building, formally recognised for its special architectural and historic interest. Originally constructed in 1871 to designs by the prominent Wigan architect Richardson Thomas Johnson, the building was commissioned for local solicitor Richard Leigh and incorporated a shopping arcade, bank and offices. Historic England identifies the building as one of the earliest provincial arcade buildings in the country, as well as an early example of offices being provided above a shopping arcade. It was also Wigan’s first shopping arcade, predating the town’s later arcade developments.

The building possesses considerable architectural character, with a striking Free Venetian Gothic-style façade, decorative sandstone detailing, polished granite columns and historic ironwork. Historic England also notes the retention of significant historic fabric, including decorative joinery, plasterwork, ironwork and elements of the original arcade roof structure.

Grimes Arcade represents a rare opportunity to acquire a landmark historic property in the heart of Wigan, offering considerable potential for a purchaser seeking a building with character, heritage and redevelopment potential.

The property could appeal to investors, developers, owner-occupiers, leisure operators or heritage-led purchasers looking to secure a unique asset with a strong sense of identity and an important place in Wigan’s architectural history.