Preserving the Past with Powered Access: No.7 Bottle Shop Restoration

At the heart of St Helens, a remarkable restoration is breathing new life into one of the town’s most iconic landmarks — the No. 7 Bottle Shop at Cannington Shaw. Built in 1886, this heritage building once played a vital role in the region’s industrial growth and innovation. Fast forward to 2025 and the site is now being stabilised and restored as part of a wider £1.3 million regeneration effort.

A Historic Site Meets Modern Solutions

Phase one of the project has focused on stabilising the structure, rebuilding brickwork, and restoring key elements such as ironwork — essential to securing the building for future generations. With its unique layout and fragile condition, the site posed a number of logistical challenges. The access required had to be compact, non-invasive and highly capable in tight or confined spaces — especially across uneven terrain.

The Right Machine for the Job

To meet these specific requirements, Hire Safe Solutions supplied the Ruthmann Bluelift SA11P, a compact spider lift renowned for its precision and versatility. With an 11-metre working height and lightweight chassis, the SA11P is ideal for work on sensitive floors and in narrow areas — making it the perfect solution for this type of heritage restoration.

The machine’s tracked base and self-levelling outriggers enabled safe operation on uneven and potentially unstable ground, while its detachable remote controls meant it could be operated safely from the ground, allowing the main operative to focus entirely on the task at hand.

Supporting the Future of Heritage

With the SA11P deployed quickly and efficiently, the team was able to begin work without delay. The spider lift has played a key role in enabling access to hard-to-reach areas, ensuring safety and productivity while preserving the building’s structural integrity.

As the restoration progresses, the No. 7 Bottle Shop is set to become more than just a preserved relic — it will be a living, breathing part of the St Helens community once again. Hire Safe Solutions is proud to support this landmark project with the right equipment and expert guidance to keep progress moving.

Need specialist access equipment for your project?

We offer one of the most diverse powered access fleets in the UK and Ireland — from spider lifts to super booms. Get in touch today to find the right solution for your site.