Council responds to The World of Glass plight, reaffirms commitment to library services

Article date: 2 July 2025

The attraction has welcomed over 1 million visitors since opening in 2000 and serves thousands of local schoolchildren each year. It's an independent charity that offers free cultural and education experiences with a focus on the industrial glass industry, including historic furnaces, hands-on exhibits, and live glassblowing - a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Sadly, a recent report from the Museum and Heritage Advisors has identified that nationally 3 in 5 small to medium sized museums in the UK are in fear of closure, highlighting a challenging operating environment.

Being an important visitor attraction in the heart of St Helens Town Centre, St Helens Borough Council has supported the World of Glass from concept to reality.

The building receives 100 percent relief on its business rates and council officers regularly provide advice and support to identify external funding sources. Where appropriate the council also uses the building to host events such as the launch of the Borough of Culture and conferences and workshops.

The Regeneration and Growth team at the council have also supported The World of Glass to access Town Deal funding which in turn was used to improve the visitor experience and enhance the exhibition to share the story of the development of our town and its industrial heritage.

The council currently contributes financially to The World of Glass to host St Helens Library, public access computers and management and exhibition of the Borough Arts Collection.

Despite this The World of Glass, like many museums nationally, has been struggling in recent years to secure the income needed to keep open and free to the public, due to:

• Rising costs that all organisations are currently facing e.g. significant increases in staffing costs, overheads and energy costs
• Increased competition for funding in the charity sector
• In contrast to many of our European neighbours, footfall at museums across the UK hasn't returned to pre-Covid levels

The World of Glass has announced changes to its opening days as part of efforts to avoid closure, with reduced operating hours designed to help lower running costs. These changes, while considered necessary, will mean that the attraction will no longer open on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The library however will be unaffected and will remain open to the public on a Monday and Tuesday, with no disruption to the Town Centre Library hours.

Councillor Sue Murphy MBE, Cabinet Member for Localities, Culture and Heritage, said:

"The World of Glass is a much-loved visitor attraction that plays a vital role in preserving and sharing our borough's rich industrial heritage. As a charitable organisation, we have supported them over the years, and they have consistently delivered high-quality experiences for both residents and visitors.

"The museum has also provided a valued temporary home for St Helens Library during the refurbishment of the Gamble Building. We want to reassure residents that library opening hours will not be affected by any changes to the attractions 's operating schedule.

"Now more than ever, while our town centre is undergoing transformative regeneration to restore its vibrancy and vitality, we sincerely hope they can find a sustainable path forward through these challenging circumstances and we would encourage everyone to support their crowd funding appeal."

Sarah Taylor, Executive Director at The World of Glass, said:

"We're urging everyone who has ever visited, learned, or been inspired by this space to help save it. We've been in the centre of St Helens culture for the past 25 years and want to be around for the next 25 and beyond.

"Despite the continued support from valued partners like St Helens Borough Council, the financial pressures we face as a charitable organisation have become unsustainable under current conditions. We are doing everything we can to safeguard the museum's future and continue delivering the cultural, educational, and community-focused work we are so proud of.

"We are extremely grateful for the backing we've received and hope that with continued community support through our new crowdfunding campaign we can find a way forward."

The World of Glass has launched a CrowdFunding campaign to help secure the charity's future for the next year and beyond: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-the-world-of-glass?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink