From Global Powerhouse to Future Promise: The Story of Pilkingtons and St Helens

 

For generations, Pilkingtons stood not just as a local employer, but as a global symbol of industrial excellence — its iconic headquarters a proud emblem of St Helens’ status as a world-leading centre of innovation and manufacturing. The company helped put the town on the map, exporting glass across the globe and fostering a sense of civic pride and prosperity. Pilkingtons wasn’t just a factory; it was the beating heart of a town once recognised as a powerhouse of the world.

 

Yet, like many industrial towns across the UK, St Helens has felt the impact of economic shifts and the decline of traditional manufacturing. As industry moved on, so too did opportunity — leaving behind voids not just in buildings, but in livelihoods, identity, and optimism.

 

But today, we are turning the page.

 

Our proposal to regenerate the long-derelict Pilkingtons canteen block is more than bricks and mortar — it is a statement of intent. A symbol of resilience. Of revival. It honours the town’s remarkable past while laying the foundation for a bold, dynamic future. By breathing new life into this once-vital site, we aim to create high-quality homes and vibrant spaces that reflect the energy, creativity and confidence of a town on the rise once again.

 

This regeneration is part of a wider movement — a new era for St Helens. One rooted in its proud heritage, but focused firmly on the future: on attracting investment, creating jobs, and delivering housing-led transformation. From industrial powerhouse to modern destination, St Helens is ready to reclaim its place — not as a relic of the past, but as one of the North West’s most exciting, ambitious, and bouyant towns.

 

The story of Pilkingtons helped define the identity of St Helens. Now, the story of its rebirth can help shape the town’s next chapter.