Arts at the Mill CIC, the not-for-profit organisation that founded and formerly operated The Old Courts, has entered temporary administration as part of a planned legal process to protect the company while a major insurance claim is concluded.

Independent administrators from Forvis Mazars LLP are continuing legal action against the construction firm responsible for serious structural damage to The Old Courts building in March 2023. The damage forced the closure of the venue’s two largest performance spaces, resulting in significant loss of income.

After two years of legal proceedings, the claim for physical building damages, estimated at £2.4 million, was successfully agreed in April 2025. However, the complexities surrounding the separate loss of earnings claim, valued at approximately £3.9 million, have required a more drawn-out process, one which the administration now allows to continue under formal protection and oversight.

A barrister has assessed the ongoing loss of earnings claim as having a strong prospect of success and the court supported administration as the most responsible route to ensure the process continues effectively and transparently.

“This is a positive and necessary step that safeguards the interests of creditors while we work towards recovering losses from the incident,” said David Jenkins, Managing Director of Arts at the Mill CIC.

“We’re optimistic that the outcome will allow all creditor balances to be cleared in full and if the claim results in a surplus, it will be donated to Wigan Heritage and Arts Trust to keep supporting culture, creativity, and community in Wigan for years to come.”

Importantly, the administration does not affect the day-to-day running of The Old Courts, which continues to thrive under the management of Wigan Heritage and Arts Trust, a registered charity established to strengthen and secure the venue’s future.

Arts at the Mill CIC has confirmed that:

– No artists, freelancers, or local partner organisations are owed money.
– All staff were transferred safely to the Charity through TUPE.
– The only local liability outstanding is business rates with Wigan Council, which is subject to an active discretionary relief process that has typically reduced or cleared the figure in full in previous years.

The majority of the CIC’s debt arose after March 2023, following the building’s sudden structural failure and enforced closure. Before this event, Arts at the Mill CIC traded successfully for over a decade, hosting more than 1,000 events annually, employing up to 64 staff, and generating around £3.5 million each year for reinvestment into Wigan’s creative economy.
“This transition marks strength and stability,” added Jenkins. “While Arts at the Mill CIC concludes its legal matters, Wigan Heritage and Arts Trust is carrying the torch forward — creating opportunity, supporting artists, and keeping culture at the heart of Wigan life.”

The Old Courts continues to host live music, theatre, exhibitions, weddings, and community projects, welcoming audiences and artists from across the region. The Charity’s structure ensures stronger governance, long-term sustainability, and access to new streams of charitable funding.

This marks a positive new chapter for both organisations and for Wigan’s creative community.