Cannington Shaw No. 7 Bottle Shop Takes Step Closer to Public Opening Following Restoration Works

Article date: July 11th 2025

Cannington Shaw No.7 Bottle Shop, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, revolutionised glass bottle manufacturing in the late 19th Century and helped to put St Helens Borough firmly on the global glassmaking map. The building has now undergone major works to halt decades of decline, under the supervision of the Cannington Shaw Preservation Trust CIC

The St Helens Town Deal investment enabled urgent work to be carried out to preserve the structure that included stonemasonry, cleaning, ironworks blasting and painting and the installation of new steel roof trusses to replace the original deteriorating elements.

The site is also home to the Heritage Skills Academy, a training academy that is managed by the Trust and delivered by the environmental charity Groundwork and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, offering training and apprenticeship opportunities specialising in heritage construction methods. Throughout the project, 21 young people from St Helens College have completed a total of 273 hours of hands-on experience in real world heritage restoration.

Among them is 17-year-old Harry Maklin, who undertook work experience at the site and has since been recruited onto a 3-year apprenticeship as a result of his time there.

Speaking of his experience, Harry said:

 "I've always been interested in construction and I feel really proud to be involved in preserving this iconic building for future generations to use and enjoy. The no. 7 Bottle Shop is a listed building, so it's really important to preserve its historic character. This has given me the chance to get experience of using both modern and traditional techniques and materials, which has been brilliant."

Following the extensive works, the site's status on the 'At Risk' register is currently being reviewed by Historic England and will be downgraded from the most severe level to a more moderate at-risk status, marking a significant milestone in its preservation.

As a first step towards future public access to the heritage site, the Cannington Shaw Preservation Trust recently welcomed 264 visitors and 112 people on the talk and tour as part of the St Helens Heritage Festival. Visitors were offered a unique opportunity to explore the historic building and learn about its storied past and future ambitions for the site.

Councillor Richard McCauley, Cabinet Member for Regeneration said:

"The Borough of St Helens is known around the world as the home of the modern glass industry and heritage assets such as the Cannington Shaw No.7 Bottle Shop are central to telling that story. Our regeneration efforts are focusing on honouring our rich heritage whilst providing modern facilities fit for generations of the future to enjoy.

"This project is an example of our vision in action, by not only protecting an important part of our history but by opening up opportunities for our young people to gain valuable skills for life. By investing in skills and heritage we are helping to secure both our boroughs identity and vision for the future."

John Tabern, Chairman and Project Director of Cannington Shaw Preservation Trust CIC said

"The money secured by the Trust from the Town Deal fund has been the most important development in our efforts to save the No: 7 Bottle Shop; however, the delivery of the Heritage Skills Academy is in most part due to the success of the Trust in securing £244,661.00 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Town Deal fund has supported this with match funding enabling the Trust to deliver the Heritage Skills Academy at the same time as the major works to the Bottle Shop. The work being carried out will in a few years see the building back in use as a part of the community and tourist offer in St Helens."

The Town Deals programme aims to regenerate towns and deliver long-term economic and productivity growth. This is through investments in urban regeneration, digital and physical connectivity, skills, heritage and enterprise infrastructure.

To find out more about the Cannington Shaw No.7 Bottle Shop visit www.canningtonshaw.org.uk