An iconic Merseyside building is set to become flats and a hairdressers.
The former Beecham building on Westfield Street, St Helens is the former headquarters of the Beecham pharmaceutical giant, once a major St Helens employer. The building dates to the 1880s, and was the first factory in the world built specifically to produce medicine.
Plans were submitted by The Nicholson Group to convert the Grade II listed building into a mixed use development of 18 residential apartments (seven one-bedroom and 11 two-bedroom), a ground floor beauty salon, and offices. The building was previously owned by St Helens College, who sold it in 2019.
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Part of the application to St Helens Council states: ""The development will comprise a total of 18 new apartments with an internal area of 5,950sqft per floor for first and second floor levels with 1,880sqft at ground floor level.
"The scheme incorporates a number a new parking area to the rear of the building that can accommodate up to 17 cars along with cycle (18) and motorcycle spaces. Materials which have been chosen for the development have been done so as to help the development blend seamlessly with its surroundings whilst still creating a refreshing and contemporary appearance".
The application adds: "The application details in conjunction with this design statement demonstrate that the proposal is to create residential properties that will rejuvenate this section of the neighbourhood with the use commensurate with the immediate surrounding area."
St Helens Council's planning department has approved the application.
