Nicholson Group Wins Residential Project of the Year for Iconic Beecham’s Building Transformation

The Award recognises heritage-led regeneration of landmark site in St Helens as Nicholson Group unveils plans for next major restoration — the HoneyRose Building.

Nicholson Group, a leading developer focused on heritage-led regeneration, is proud to announce its landmark redevelopment of the Beecham’s Building in St Helens has won Residential Project of the Year at the 2025 North West Regional Construction Awards.

The award, sponsored by Innovation Fire Engineering, was presented at a prestigious ceremony celebrating the most forward-thinking

construction projects across the region.

This recognition marks a major milestone in Nicholson Group’s ongoing commitment to revitalising town centres and breathing new life into important heritage buildings.

The award-winning project is the transformation of the Grade II listed Beecham’s Building — once

the headquarters of Beecham Pharmaceuticals — into a high-quality, mixed-use residential and

commercial development. The project involved a multi-million-pound restoration and redevelopment programme, resulting in 18 spacious apartments, along with ground-floor office and commercial units.

Originally built in 1887, the Beecham’s Building is one of St Helens’ most iconic architectural

landmarks. Nicholson Group’s approach ensured that key historical features were not only retained but celebrated.

The famous H.V. Krolow-designed clock tower was carefully restored to full working condition, and intricate period windows and internal courtyards were refurbished using traditional

craftsmanship.

The apartment scheme includes a mix of one- and two-bedroom homes, some of which are among the largest ever developed in St Helens town centre, with two-bedroom units nearing 2,000 square feet.

This offers a level of space, quality, and historical character rarely available in urban regeneration settings.

The construction process focused on sustainability, using locally sourced materials, engaging local contractors and tradespeople, and exceeding insulation and energy efficiency regulations.

The project also made use of a flexible construction management procurement strategy, ensuring quality and cost-efficiency while encouraging early engagement with supply chain partners and community stakeholders.

The transformation of the Beecham’s Building has received overwhelming praise from the local community. The restoration of the iconic clock, which had fallen silent for decades, was particularly celebrated.

A local heritage advocate commented: “The Beecham’s clock tower building on Westfield Street represents a transformative journey — from a historic pharmaceutical hub to a modern residential space. It now stands as a beacon of St Helens’ rich history, ready to embrace a vibrant future within the heart of the community.”

In December 2024, the building was officially welcomed back into civic life with the unveiling of a commemorative heritage plaque by Rotary St Helens.

The event was attended by respected local

historian and author Mary Presland, who, at the age of 97, shared vivid memories of the building and its original chimes, expressing joy at its full revival.

The Beecham’s Building is now a cornerstone in St Helens’ town centre revival — a powerful symbol of what is possible when historic preservation, quality housing, and social responsibility come together in a single vision.

Following this award-winning success, Nicholson Group has submitted plans for the full

regeneration of another cherished St Helens landmark: the HoneyRose Building on Cotham Street.

Built in the 1930s, the HoneyRose Building is a striking example of Art Deco architecture and has long served as the home of the HoneyRose Foundation, a charity supporting terminally ill adults.

Nicholson Group’s proposal includes restoring the original façade and architecture while creating 11 affordable apartments above, and retaining the charity’s presence on the ground floor.

In a move that highlights Nicholson Group’s commitment to responsible development, the company has also cleared all debt tied to the property, relieving financial pressure on the HoneyRose Foundation and safeguarding its future in the building.

Chief Executive Paul Nicholson commented: “The HoneyRose Building deserves to be celebrated and protected. Our goal is to make it a centrepiece in the town centre — restoring its façade to its 1930s glory and ensuring it continues to serve the community.

After acquiring the property, we made the

decision to act in the best interests of both the charity and the town. This project, like Beecham’s, is about heritage, heart, and helping St Helens thrive.”

Nicholson Group’s work in St Helens reflects a broader vision: to regenerate town centres not by erasing the past, but by elevating it. Over the past decade, the company has delivered more than 100 high-quality homes across the borough, each with a focus on heritage-led design, sustainability, and lasting social impact.

The Group’s projects are guided by four core pillars: placemaking, preservation, sustainability, and community partnership.

Each project seeks to create homes and spaces with soul and a sense of identity, restore historic buildings rather than replace them, use local labour and materials while exceeding environmental standards, and actively engage with residents, charities, historians, and

local councils.

The Beecham’s Building is now a benchmark for heritage-led urban housing. Its award recognition is a celebration not only of architectural excellence but of community collaboration, responsible development, and civic pride.

Nicholson Group is a multi-award-winning property developer based in the North West. Specialising in heritage-led regeneration, the Group delivers unique residential and mixed-use developments that bring life back to town and city centres.

With a growing portfolio of projects across Merseyside and beyond, Nicholson Group continues to champion placemaking, social value, and the preservation of local identity through sustainable and community-driven development.