The Renovation Story of The Wap

Posted on 29th June 2011

Captured by the history of a local heritage site and fuelled by a desire to breathe life back into a derelict forgotten Lancashire gem, a local developer has been restoring an old watering hole back to its former glory in a bid to relocate from Manchester City Centre. 

Julian Peck, a Chorley resident and owner of Manchester-based Peck Properties has recently completed the sensitive restoration of a former mid-19th Century porter’s lodge adjacent to the former Whittle Springs, Dark Lane, Whittle le Woods to provide a contemporary office space. Adjacent to the Leeds Liverpool canal and Jackson’s Locks the detached, stone built lodge was used as watering hole for canal users and visitors to the natural spring, first discovered in 1845. Bargees used the colloquial term “I’ll just wap up for a drink” and the property became affectionately known as The Wap. 

As waterway traffic and use of the spring declines, the property fell into disrepair. Developer Julian spotted both the significance and potential in this charming property and in 2009 commissioned a painstaking restoration project with local specialists Primrose Holdings. Julian said, “I happened across the property en-route to the local health club and it struck me how such a delightful building could be left to rack and ruin.The restoration has been a labour of love and I hope the new occupiers can gain as much enjoyment from using the property as I have done bringing it back to life. I am presently considering whether to occupy the building myself in whole or in part, as my original decision to relocate from Manchester is under review.”

The original Victorian design and structure has been reinstated providing modern open plan accommodation for up to 10 work stations with adjoining WCs, shower facilities and off street parking for up to 6 cars. The property is situated close to J8 M61 and A674 with local amenities including a post office, David Lloyd Health Club, Malt House Premier Inn and The Red Cat. Chorley town centre is 3 miles away. Quoting rents for the property are £17,000 per annum and there is also an opportunity to share individual office space with the developer. For further information please contact Danny Pinkus on 01772 769000.

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