Campaigners try save site where Wigan Athletic was born

The cost of preserving the building is £1m

Campaigners say they want to restore a church where an FA cup winning football club was born but it will cost £1m.

Wigan Athletic were formed after a public meeting at the Queen's Hall Methodist Mission Church in 1932.

The landmark building on Market Street, which opened in 1908, and is still used by local community groups.

John Parker from Queens Hall Methodist Mission said it had "helped people in need for more than a hundred years" and urged locals to help save it.

He added: "We need the help of the community to ensure that this landmark building is not lost, and that we can continue to help people for many more years to come".

A public meeting was held at Queens Hall in 1932.

It was led by the Mayor of Wigan, Councillor William Angus Hipwood, and it resulted in the formation of Wigan Athletic football club.

Lifelong fan Tony Topping campaigned for a blue plaque

Lifelong fan Tony Topping, who successfully campaigned for a blue plaque at Queens Hall. said: "If you're a Wigan Athletic fan, 1932 is a special date.

"That was the birth of our club. We didn't get into the Football League until 1978.

"From there, we've gone on to play in the Premier League and we won the FA Cup. But winning the Northern Premier League was just as important back then".

The turret and the cupola on top of the building is in most need of repair. The ironwork is rusty and there are trees growing between gaps in the stonework.

Becky Gilbert-Rule of Patrick Wilson Architects said: "The detailing of the turret and the cupola is absolutely beautiful.

"It is a landmark within the centre of Wigan. Those kind of scroll details are things you don't get on buildings nowadays. We'd love to be able to keep it looking as special as it possibly can".

The club was formed after a public meeting in 1932

The Queens Hall is still well used by the local community.

There are nursery groups and the lower hall of the church is now used as emergency accommodation for up to 20 rough sleepers during the winter months.

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