A “REIMAGINED" museum space that aims to breathe fresh life into St Helens’ World of Glass has been hailed a resounding success.
The Star reported last month how in the region of £1m has been invested in a transformation of the Chalon Way visitor attraction.
Around £890,000 has come from the government’s Town’s Fund regeneration pot.
The venue’s heritage gallery attraction has been transformed - and made free entry to mirror strategies employed by similar museums in the neighbouring cities.
After extensive coverage about the Chalon Way venue's new-look by the Star and BBC North West Tonight families have been flocking to look around - including people from St Helens and further afield.
Peter Frost, executive director at the World of Glass, said: "The response has been fantastic since our official opening on August 12.
"The coverage on BBC and the Star was huge for us, of course we've had people from St Helens but there have been visitors from the Manchester region too.
"And the response to the changes has been great. People have really been enjoying the experience of the museum, standing behind the bar in the 'pub' [in the museum]and spending time.
"They'll go and get a drink in the cafe or spend a few pounds in the marble run just to support us."
Mr Frost said the re-launch has made a mark among the networks of glass artists nationally, some of whom visited for the opening.
He added: "It has really put St Helens on the map, these people didn't know much about it before but now we are a serious player.
"So we're proving to be a fantastic visitor attraction for families and an incredible venue if you love your glass."
The World of Glass has also been hosting events as part of its National Lottery Heritage Funded Creative Roots exhibition.
Among these was a visit by Harry Potter wand choreographer Paul Harris, who came to teach hundreds of children how to cast spells and defend themselves from attack.
Paul, who features in the exhibition, went to school in Haydock. He took time to take photos and sign autographs with his army of Potter fans.
A talk by St Helens-born artist Anne Sudworth was another highlight, adding to the optimism at the venue which needs to grow visitor numbers.
The reimagining project has seen the “tired” museum space undergo 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 have been a hit with children.
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