A GROUP which has campaigned for the preservation of the historic Cannington Shaw is celebrating after securing a grant from the Architectural Heritage Fund.

The Friends of Cannington Shaw have campaigned for the last three years to conserve the legacy of the former bottle shop, which is next to Steve Prescott Bridge.

Their efforts influenced the Victorian Society nomination of Cannington Shaw in its Top 10 list of Endangered Buildings in the UK in 2017.

The Friends have been working with St Helens Council, Historic England and the site owners, Network Space, to identify possible future uses, which culminated in a successful application to the Architectural Heritage Fund for a Project Viability Grant of £6,800.

This is to undertake a feasibility study and to identify the repair, conversion and upgrading of the structure, which is necessary to preserve it for future generations.

The grant will be match funded with money from a Section 106 agreement, which was drawn up when the Saints’ stadium development was agreed.

This set aside a pot to be used to manage and identify a future for the building. This will bring the total value of scoping works to around £15,000. 

Caroline Platt, director at the friends of Cannington Shaw, said: “We are ecstatic and thrilled to hear this news. The Friends have worked tirelessly to raise the profile of this building over the last three years. This year, in particular, we have made significant inroads in our campaign. 

“We are fortunate to have a strong partnership with St Helens Council and Historic England officers, along with owners of the site Network Space, who have all provided professional and financial support to. We are looking forward to moving forward in collaboration with Architectural Heritage Fund.”

Kate Kendall, of Historic England, added: “We are really pleased the Trust has been awarded grant monies from the AHF for Cannington Shaw. Exploring the options will help to secure the future of this important industrial heritage asset.”

St Helens Star:

Cannington Shaw, from above Pic: Ian Echo