Nicholson Group has put forward the latest proposal to redevelop the former Pilkington canteen in St Helens, a landmark building that once served meals to as many as 2,000 employees at a time and has remained vacant since 1996.
The developer acquired the modernist building at Alexandra Business Park in 2023 after it entered receivership.
Under the in-house designed plans, the 75,000 sq ft former dining hall would be converted into residential apartments, many offering views across a private lake within a registered historic park.
The proposal marks the second attempt to convert the former glassmaker’s canteen into housing. Pilkington Properties previously secured planning permission in 2008 to transform the building into 31 flats, but the scheme was never implemented.
Designed by architect Edwin Maxwell Fry of Fry, Drew and Partners between 1959 and 1963, the building formed part of Pilkington’s landmark headquarters complex and is recognised for its modernist architectural character.
Nicholson Group chief executive Paul Nicholson said: “We have an affinity for tackling challenging heritage projects, and we have an excellent track record in delivery.”
He added: “Our ambition is to give the former Pilkington canteen a sustainable future as 45 homes, preserving the architecture and its relationship with the water and landscape. This is a place that deserves to be brought back to life, with its identity intact.”
English 