A significant dispute has arisen regarding the Haigh Hall renovation project in Wigan after contract termination of its creative directors.
- Al Holmes and Al Taylor were informed their contracts would not be renewed, leaving the project halfway through.
- Community backlash ensued, with a petition demanding the reinstatement of the directors gaining momentum.
- The Major family also withdrew their collaboration due to concerns over the council’s project management.
- Council officials have responded, expressing gratitude for the directors’ contributions but defending their decision.
A row has erupted over the future of the Haigh Hall regeneration project in Wigan, following the decision not to renew the contracts of creative directors Al Holmes and Al Taylor. The directors, known together as Al and Al, voiced their astonishment and dismay upon receiving the news from town hall managers. They had been involved in restoring the Grade II-listed building since their interim contract began in 2021, which ended on August 31. The confirmation of their contract’s non-renewal was delivered during a meeting with council executives on October 1.
This decision has ignited a wave of dissatisfaction among the community, as reflected in a petition circulating on social media advocating for the directors’ return. Supporters have expressed their disappointment and concern over the project’s continuation without the duo’s artistic vision. The Friends of Haigh Hall Heritage and Open Access for All Facebook page reported an influx of messages from community members, highlighting their shock and dissatisfaction with the council’s decision.
Adding to the controversy, artist Theodore Major’s family decided to withdraw from the project. Ruth Owers, Major’s granddaughter, articulated a loss of faith in the council’s project management in an email to Peter Hughes, the service lead for culture at Wigan council. Her email, disclosed by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, cited senior management decisions as the reason for halting their involvement. Consequently, the planned exhibition of Major’s works at the hall will not proceed.
A representative from Wigan council acknowledged the public statement made by Al and Al, disputing the allegations presented. The spokesperson praised the directors for their artistic contributions which have shaped the project’s vision thus far. However, they reinforced that Al and Al were part of a broader team dedicated to realising the council’s goals for Haigh Hall. The council remains optimistic about the project’s future as it progresses into subsequent phases.
Al and Al expressed their commitment to the Haigh Hall project, aspiring to reinforce its status as a cultural hub within Wigan and the broader North West. They had worked closely with various stakeholders, including local and international artists, and received significant support from groups like the Arts Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which collectively secured £20 million in funding. Despite cherished support, they were taken aback by the non-renewal of their contract, attributing it to political pressures without any prior indication of such a development.
The Haigh Hall project’s future hangs in uncertainty as stakeholders and community members react to the unexpected departure of its creative leaders.
