The Old Courts

Who we are

We are a creative arts and enterprise hub and a trading name of Arts at the Mill Community Interest Company. The hub was created as a progression of the former rehearsal rooms that we ran at Eckersley Mill. In April 2014 we moved in to the former court buildings on Crawford Street. We offer space for the community to meet including local bands, artists, poets, film enthusiasts, as well as Age Uk’s Ukulele group and The Jammers who meet here on a weekly basis. We also house a variety of large rooms within the building suitable for events such as performing arts, theatre groups, dance classes, music classes/events, pop up exhibitions, markets and business activities. We also provide business support and development services for businesses and creative individuals who are looking to commercialise and become sustainable. Currently we have a team of 15 staff with 8 volunteers but we are looking to create more employment and training opportunities over the next 3 years. Wigan Council is also supporting us to deliver these outcomes through their Community Investment Fund. We currently house a selection of creative businesses including: graphic designer Brain Cannon, artist Laura Quinn, Mojo Reserve, Ntertain, Lupine Travel and Tallulah Vintage as well as two recording studios, one owned by John Kettle another owned by Paul ONeill. Following a major refurbishment of the main event space within The Old Courts, which has included the room being fully acoustically draped, as well as a permanent stage being built, two new bars and a new decoration throughout. It’s the perfect environment to accommodate a whole range of events including music performances, theatre performances, art exhibitions, dance classes and business events. Our main room will also be able to be booked by local groups and community events. We are currently looking to expand our local community groups and active sessions.