The iconic Grade II-listed Beechams Clock Tower on Merseyside has been acquired by the Luxor Group.
It's not yet known what the building, which was once renowned for producing the Beechams pill, will be used for by developers Luxor, who described it as an "imminent acquisition".
The iconic Grade II-listed Beechams Clock Tower on Merseyside has been acquired by the Luxor Group.
It's not yet known what the building, which was once renowned for producing the Beechams pill, will be used for by developers Luxor, who described it as an "imminent acquisition".
It's understood Luxor will reveal in the coming days what its exact plans for the building are.
The Beechams Clock Tower was built between 1884 and 1887, becoming one of St Helens' major employers, based on Westfield Street.
Paul Nicholson, owner of Luxor Group, said, “We are really excited to be working with such a beautiful and much-loved building in St Helens.
"As the building is Grade II listed, we have actively sought the advice of heritage experts to ensure we protect the fabric and characteristics and features of both the exterior and interior of the building that totals 27,000 square feet."
“We plan to retain the exterior of the building and hope to enhance some of the existing features, for example, reinstating the old disused doorways and windows in the currently unused basement.”
Even after Beechams merged with SmithKline Beckman in 1989, the factory continued to produce pharmaceutical products, before closing its doors in 1994.
It then became part of the St Helens College campus.
According to Luxor, over the last 30 years, St Helens College has invested significantly in the upkeep and refurbishment of both of the old buildings, ensuring they are fit for purpose for modern teaching and learning and appropriate for housing the broad range of curriculum the college offers.
Mr Nicholson added: “We hope to sympathetically expose the beautiful internal courtyard that the building is currently hiding, so residents will be able to appreciate the beauty in all its entirety.
“Ultimately as new owners and custodians, we want to preserve the heritage of the building, enhance its legacy and bring prosperity to the College’s future.”