A HERITAGE society has submitted formal plans as its vision of opening a new centre moves a step closer.
Rainford Heritage Society had been located at Inglenook Farm in Rainford but had to look for a new home and launched a fundraising campaign, which has previously been covered by the Star.
The team of historians sourced a new venue, a barn at Bridge Farm at Rainford Junction.
A planning application has now been submitted to convert the barn to form the new heritage centre for the village of Rainford and associated settlements
Plans say the barn would include on the ground floor a display shop and office; toilet (including disabled); facilities; lecture room; access stairs and a lift to the first floor.
Meanwhile, the first floor will feature a display (clay pipe collection); an audio/visual facility and storage.
Ray Waring
Ray Waring, of the Rainford Heritage Society, said: "It is a huge project for a local society to take on board but when finished would be a major tourist attraction for St Helens and Merseyside."
The society has applied for a Heritage Lottery Grant and has had to contribute to the cost of the project, which costs around £450,000 in total.
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