I also started my professional career in the glass container industry (Ravenhead) in the '60's before moving on to bigger and better things in flat glass (Pilkington).
Over the years many historically important kilns / furnaces etc in St Helens have been demolished - the world's 1st Float Unit for example.
We have to move with the times and replace the old with newer and better technology.
We can't save everything.

Quote ="Ninja saint"I seen work going I there last Wednesday when I was getting tickets, it looked like they was working on the roof which come off when we had high winds last year. Has the been any official announcement of when the cladding work will begin ?'" There was an announcement before the Fans Forum back in June, this is it. Quote ST HELENS R.F.C. has issued a statement regarding the issue of cladding at Langtree Park. "The Club has had to refrain to date from public comment on the intended additional cladding to Langtree Park due to legal and contractual restrictions. In particular, the Club is considering legal action against its former project adviser, Complete Construction Management (CCM), in relation to cost estimates and other related advice. "The Club is also awaiting the final production of a structural engineers report relating to the roof, as a necessary pre-condition. Furthermore, the one year contractual defects period expires in October 2012 and the Club now needs to await the expiration of this also. "That said; the Club will invest further in the necessary cladding in order to protect fans from the elements to the extent necessary and practical. This is the case even though the projected cost is likely to be materially higher than first advised. This will now have to go ahead in the close season; the additional funding is earmarked. "We understand fans' frustration but have been unable to provide public updates. "The original design of the stadium was in its existing state and that was what planning permission was obtained for and was what the club purchased. It is clear, however, that additional work is necessary, and this will be carried out to improve the outlook and comfort of the new stadium further. "As part of the process the Club will also carry out market research from season ticket holders as to their experience and suggestions after a first full year in the stadium in order that we continually look to improve service."'" www.saintsrlfc.com/news/page/2070

Quote ="Ninja saint"I seen work going I there last Wednesday when I was getting tickets, it looked like they was working on the roof which come off when we had high winds last year. Has the been any official announcement of when the cladding work will begin ?'" There was an announcement before the Fans Forum back in June, this is it. Quote ST HELENS R.F.C. has issued a statement regarding the issue of cladding at Langtree Park. "The Club has had to refrain to date from public comment on the intended additional cladding to Langtree Park due to legal and contractual restrictions. In particular, the Club is considering legal action against its former project adviser, Complete Construction Management (CCM), in relation to cost estimates and other related advice. "The Club is also awaiting the final production of a structural engineers report relating to the roof, as a necessary pre-condition. Furthermore, the one year contractual defects period expires in October 2012 and the Club now needs to await the expiration of this also. "That said; the Club will invest further in the necessary cladding in order to protect fans from the elements to the extent necessary and practical. This is the case even though the projected cost is likely to be materially higher than first advised. This will now have to go ahead in the close season; the additional funding is earmarked. "We understand fans' frustration but have been unable to provide public updates. "The original design of the stadium was in its existing state and that was what planning permission was obtained for and was what the club purchased. It is clear, however, that additional work is necessary, and this will be carried out to improve the outlook and comfort of the new stadium further. "As part of the process the Club will also carry out market research from season ticket holders as to their experience and suggestions after a first full year in the stadium in order that we continually look to improve service."'" www.saintsrlfc.com/news/page/2070

Its hopefully not going to be long now, think in terms of a month or so before we start to see the stadium finally get clothed so to speak.

The cladding thats supposed to be going on is of a perforated nature. So i thought i would share with you all how this can look if done well.

Below are pictures of German Bundesliga football team Dusseldorfs magnificent Esprit arena.

We should put a perforated cladding box on our stadium as well. Can you imagine the acoustics as the chanting reverberates around/through/back from the metal?

Can't see us going for the box look after so much effort went into the rounded look, but I get the gist of what you mean with perforated cladding.

I can't either. I imagine it'll join from the top of the wall to the roof on both ends and perhaps in the corners with the North Stand being left (which is what has been said on Red Vee). As a North Stander I'd be extremely disappointed if all stands were cladded apart from the North. If anything it should be the Away end that is completed last.