Inside the 'reimagined' gallery space at the World of Glass

In the region of £1m has been invested in a transformation of the Chalon Way visitor attraction, with £890,000 having come from the government’s Town’s Fund regeneration pot.

A key move will see the entrance to the venue’s heritage gallery attraction made free, as it looks to mirror strategies employed by similar museums in the neighbouring cities.

There will still be small charges for glass-blowing demonstrations, but access to the rest of the space - which opened as part of the Millennium projects more than 20 years ago - is without charge.

Attracting more young families and boosting visitor numbers will be at the heart of the new-look venue’s strategy.

The “tired” museum space has had an injection of creativity, with the walk-through gallery now taking visitors on a tour through Victorian St Helens - with street scenes, a shop, pub and a home all featuring as part of the exhibition.

The scene features heritage assets from St Helens' past, including a sign from the former Blue Bell pub.

Once visitors step beyond the historic elements of St Helens’ glass-making past, there are exhibitions looking at the town of today, with a focus on its ambitions for the future and the new Glass Futures development.

The walk-through features a host of interactive elements that curators hope will be a hit with children.

The space has a major focus on St Helens Heritage (Image: St Helens Star)

Peter Frost, executive director of the World of Glass, said: “Over the years the museum has become tired and in need of updating.

“Fortunately our Town Deal funding bid was successful and we’ve also had donations from the Rainford Trust and the local businessman Ryan Little.

“This has resulted in us reimagining the museum galleries.

“We felt there wasn’t enough for young families to keep them interested.

A section of the glass collection (Image: St Helens Star)

“We also had Liverpool - with some of the best museums in the country and they offer free entry, while we were charging.

“So we’ve looked to find a different model. We’ve gone for things that will interest young families and also appeal to people really interested in glass and heritage.

“We’re hoping that will encourage more people to come and explore what we have got to offer.”

A central point of the museum includes its fascinating glass collection, with some pieces dating back 3,000 years.

The exhibition includes interactive elements for children (Image: St Helens Star)

The venue’s mezzanine, meanwhile, also has a fresh purpose, with a modern collection of glass art, loaned by collector Mark Halford, going on display.

There is also a central art gallery space - currently hosting the outstanding Creative Roots exhibition, while the spacious cafe - with an outside terrace beside the canal - remaining a popular feature.

St Helens Council’s Central Library remains an important fixture of the venue which has evolved into a creative hub

Mr Frost stressed how it is such an important time for the World of Glass, with many people who go there really proud of it.

What the attraction needs now is for more people to visit and experience what an asset it is to the St Helens community.

Mr Holford, who is loaning more than 70 pieces of modern glass art, is one of the foremost collectors in the UK.

He has showered praise on the Chalon Way venue, likening it to a smaller version of the esteemed Corning Museum of Glass in New York.

He said: “This is important. It is at the centre of Britain - and I think Merseyside has the highest footfall in Britain, outside of London, for visits to a museum. There is a great culture here that forms part of it.

“St Helens is the centre of glass for the UK, with its industrial sites, Glass Futures and this venue all between 5 and 10 minutes apart.

“I hope seeing my collection will encourage more people to buy and collect glass.”

The ribbon will be cut on the new-look attractions on Saturday morning, with the venue open to the public from 1pm.