The historic Eckersley Mill in the town of Wigan is set to witness a new chapter in its long and storied history with the official opening of the competitive socializing and late-night venue known as Factory Floor. This renovation of part of the Grade II listed mill into a vibrant entertainment venue represents a major milestone in the town of Wigan as it promises to provide visitors with a new and exciting place to visit within the town itself. With the £3m development, Factory Floor is set to provide visitors with a unique mix of interactive games, street food, immersive design, and energetic socializing within the town's Cotton Works area.
A Historic Venue with a Modern Twist
Eckersley Mill, which dates back to 1884, was once one of the largest cotton mills in the region. The opening of Factory Floor on March 26, 2026, is a revival of this historic landmark, bringing a fresh, modern experience to a building rich with industrial heritage. The venue, located in Mill One -- the first mill constructed on the Eckersley site -- combines the charm of its historic past with contemporary features, offering a vibrant setting for socializing and entertainment.
Factory Floor aims to become a significant social hub for both local residents and visitors to Wigan. With its large capacity of 350 guests, it offers an exciting mix of activities, food, and music that is designed to attract diverse crowds, from families looking for fun during the day to partygoers seeking a lively night out.
An Interactive Playground for All Ages
Factory Floor
Factory Floor's array of interactive games is one of the main attractions, making it a destination for competitive socializing. The venue offers seven games, including darts, shuffleboard, pool, karaoke, skee ball, basketball, and beer pong, as well as a selection of retro arcade machines. These games provide a nostalgic twist, appealing to a wide range of guests. Whether you're with friends, family, or visiting Wigan as a tourist, Factory Floor offers a fun and interactive experience that is sure to delight.
The venue's opening hours make it accessible for a variety of schedules. From Thursday evenings to late nights on the weekends, guests can drop by for a few hours of entertainment, enjoying everything from relaxed social time to more high-energy nightlife experiences. Factory Floor's unique combination of gaming, dining, and nightlife makes it a versatile location for a day-to-night outing.
Street Food and Refreshing Drinks for Every Taste
At the heart of Factory Floor lies a striking feature bar that serves as a central meeting point for guests. The venue's food offering comes from the same team behind Super Fry Guys at Factory Floor's sister venue, Feast At The Mills, and introduces a new concept called 'Feed.' The menu includes indulgent items such as stacked burgers, BBQ wings, crispy cornflake chicken tenders, and Detroit-style pizza, served in slabs or smaller slices to cater to different appetites.
For those with dietary preferences, vegetarian and vegan options are also available. These include plant-based burgers, mozzarella dippers, nachos, and a range of pizzas and sides, ensuring there is something for everyone. As the night unfolds, Factory Floor's vibrant atmosphere is complemented by the energetic DJs and immersive production that transform the space into a high-energy party venue.
Floor
The combination of mouth-watering food and a fully stocked bar, paired with Factory Floor's diverse entertainment offerings, makes it a highly appealing destination for tourists looking for a memorable experience in Wigan.
The Nightlife Scene Comes to Life
As the evening settles in, Factory Floor transitions into a lively nightlife venue with DJs spinning retro disco and dance tracks from 9 PM until 1 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. The venue also features dancers who provide energetic performances, further enhancing the party atmosphere. The immersive lighting and production add to the overall experience, ensuring Factory Floor is unlike any other venue currently operating in Wigan.
For tourists visiting the area, Factory Floor offers a unique late-night experience that combines the fun of competitive games, dancing, and live DJ sets. The venue's evolving atmosphere ensures that it caters to different crowds, from those looking for a fun-filled afternoon of games and food to those seeking an unforgettable night out in Wigan.
Themed Events to Keep Visitors Coming Back
Factory Floor's event schedule promises to offer a variety of themed events throughout the year, including Gatsby evenings, Abba parties, and DJ takeovers. These special events are designed to appeal to both locals and tourists, providing unique and exciting experiences that keep the venue fresh and engaging.
Why it matters
These themed events will not only attract regular visitors but also serve as a draw for tourists planning to visit Wigan specifically for the experience. Whether you are coming for a themed party or just to enjoy the atmosphere, Factory Floor's diverse programming ensures there is always something to look forward to.
A Boost to Wigan's Hospitality and Cultural Scene
The opening of Factory Floor adds another vibrant layer to Wigan's growing reputation as a cultural and hospitality destination. The Cotton Works development, which houses Factory Floor, continues to grow as a hub for entertainment and community activities in the town. The new venue also supports the local economy by creating 20 new jobs, contributing to the expanding workforce across the site.
In addition to Factory Floor, other popular spots in The Cotton Works include the lively pub, The Three Mills, the outdoor food and drink market, Feast at The Mills, and Weave Co-Working, which opened in the summer of 2025. These venues are helping to position Wigan as an emerging destination for both leisure and business travel, attracting tourists and visitors who are keen to experience a modern, vibrant atmosphere alongside the town's historic charm.
A New Chapter for Wigan's Tourism Industry
Factory Floor's opening is an exciting development for both Wigan residents and visitors, enhancing the town's social and entertainment offerings. For tourists, the venue provides a fun and engaging way to experience the local culture, with a unique blend of interactive entertainment, delicious food, and an energetic nightlife scene. As part of The Cotton Works, Factory Floor also contributes to the growth of Wigan as a tourism destination, encouraging more people to visit and enjoy the town's evolving hospitality and cultural offerings.
What happens next
For those planning to visit Wigan, Factory Floor offers an exciting new option that blends history with modern entertainment, making it a must-visit spot in the heart of the town. Whether for a night out or a daytime social experience, Factory Floor is set to become a key destination for tourists and locals alike, bringing energy and excitement to Wigan's thriving social scene.
The Future Ahead
The grand opening of Factory Floor at the historic Eckersley Mill signifies a significant milestone in the history of Wigan, as the town will now have a new and exciting place to visit for locals as well as tourists. With the variety of interactive games, mouth-watering food options, and vibrant nightlife, Factory Floor promises to become one of the most visited places in Wigan. The addition of Factory Floor to the growing Cotton Works complex will give Wigan another dimension of excitement and vibrancy, further establishing the town as an up-and-coming destination for culture, food, and entertainment.
Whether for a night out or a daytime social experience, Factory Floor is set to become a key destination for tourists and locals alike, bringing energy and excitement to Wigan's thriving social scene.
Key takeaways
- The historic Eckersley Mill in the town of Wigan is set to witness a new chapter in its long and storied history with the official opening of the competitive socializing and late-night venue known as Factory Floor
- Eckersley Mill, which dates back to 1884, was once one of the largest cotton mills in the region
- Factory Floor aims to become a significant social hub for both local residents and visitors to Wigan
In short
As always in the dining room, the gap between what gets announced and what actually reaches people is where the real story will be decided.