Rotary St Helens’ new online landing page showcases rich history of the site.
A delegation from Rotary St Helens including president Joel Wood visited the historic Beecham’s Building in Westfield Street this week to unveil their latest Heritage Trail Plaque.
The organisation which amongst its many functions is dedicated to economic, social and community development, gathered to applaud Nicholson Group highlighting its unrelenting endeavour to rejuvenate Beecham’s Building.
The former headquarters of the Beecham pharmaceutical giant was once a major St Helens employer with the building dating back to the 1880s and was the first factory in the world built specifically to produce medicine.
Prior to unveiling the 8th Heritage Trail plaque which is supported by online landing pages, Mr Wood explained the background to the plaques: “For over a century, Rotary St Helens has been dedicated to serving our local area. Our initiatives have touched upon many aspects of life, including education, health, heritage, and community welfare. In collaboration with St Helens Council, we have created a Heritage Trail featuring a dozen plaques around the town centre. This Trail celebrates our rich industrial history, aiming to inspire both residents and visitors by showcasing our town’s significant contributions.”
In supporting Mr. Wood’s comments and highlighting Beecham’s Building in the process, project leads Rotarian Paul Winstanley and Friend of Rotary Ian Rimmer commented:
“Beecham’s history is so rich that in turn, we’ve compiled the most comprehensive landing page of any Heritage Trail online site created thus far. Once the user scans the QR Code, it will transport them to a wonderful historical journey of adventure, telling the story of Thomas Beecham who opened the first factory in St Helens, in 1859. For example, there are anecdotes telling the story of how Beecham’s Building carried the world’s first advertising slogan ‘Worth a guinea a box’.”
Mr. Winstanley added: “The landing page will take people back in time with many old photos revealing what the inside of the building looks like today, thanks to the achievements of the Nicholson Group. It also tells a story of the surrounding buildings and what the future plans are for Westfield Street.”
Paul Nicholson, founder and CEO of Nicholson Group said: “It’s been a transformative journey for us in transitioning Beecham’s Building from a historic pharmaceutical hub to a modern residential space. We’ve dedicated a huge effort into preserving the building’s essence reflecting a harmonious blend of past and present. The clock tower building now stands as a beacon of St Helens’ rich history, ready to embrace a vibrant future within the heart of the community and we’re really proud of that.”
97 year old local historian Mary Presland who was on hand to unveil the Heritage Trail Plaque added: “I’m delighted and honoured to witness this unveiling. I still have memories of the famous chiming Beecham’s Building clock every quarter of an hour! And it’s very much part of reviving the town’s fortunes through heritage. Thank you very much and very well done to all concerned at the Nicholson Group, especially Paul Nicholson himself.”
Star readers can scan the QR Code below or visit the building for further information.
