Historic building of family business Burchall’s listed for sale

The iconic butcher’s premises on Westfield Street has been listed on Rightmove, with an asking price of £225,000.

This figure is for the distinctive green-fronted property alone but the business would also be for sale, if owner John Burchall finds a suitable buyer to take on the family firm which has been in existence for more than 180 years.

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John has been a friendly face at Burchall's for decades (Image: St Helens Star) Speaking to the Star earlier this year, Mr Burchall - who was recognised with a Pride of St Helens Special Achievement Award - confirmed he was planning to retire but that any plans for closure are not imminent. That remains the case and Burchall’s will continue to trade into 2025.

A statement on Rightmove listing the property for sale states: “An incredible opportunity to purchase one of the areas most famous commercial buildings.

“Operating on Westfield Street since 1921, Burchall's is frequently mentioned as one of the most loved businesses in St Helens.

“Its large corner position with large shop frontage would make it suitable for a variety of different uses.

“The property also has huge potential for conversion on the first floor into potential residential dwellings due to the first floor having its own access in place already and being a very generous size.

“The shop also boasts car parking to the rear, a basement and the potential to separate into more units if desired (subject to relevant permissions being achieved).”

John aims to continue the Burchall's brand if he can find the right buyer (Image: St Helens Star) Westfield Street has been home to Burchall’s since 1921, with the business founded in the 1840s on Church Street and having passed through five generations.

Not surprisingly, it is understood the listing has sparked interest within the St Helens business community.

But it remains to be seen whether Mr Burchall can find a buyer who he considers suitable to continue its legacy and production of the pork pies, or if it will result in a straight sale of the property alone.

John Burchall was recognised at the Pride of St Helens Awards (Image: Dave Gillespie) Although the Westfield Street business has faced issues with declining footfall in recent years, generations of Sintelliners continue to visit Burchall's for the famous, mouth-watering pork pies.

Indeed, Mr Burchall’s recognition at the Pride of St Helens Awards last Friday was warmly welcomed by Star readers and the St Helens public, who have a deep affection for the iconic firm.

Speaking previously to the Star, John said: "People have been coming in here for decades, and they bring their families and kids who have grown up, while others come back at Christmas if they have moved away.

"So people always remember to come back and I often get recognised and stopped on the street, so it is really nice to see."