use of lead shot subsequently declined due to environmental concerns, and the bliemeister method of shot production largely replaced the use of shot towers for the remaining production. use of the current tower for its original purpose ceased in the late 1980s, whilst use of the site for manufacturing ceased in 1994. demolition of the tower was originally proposed, but in 1995 it was scheduled for preservation by english heritage, with a grade ii listing. plans were made to incorporate the tower as the centrepiece of a new office development, and this came to fruition in 2005 when the tower was incorporated in the new vertigo office development. it has been fully refurbished, and the upper level is available to rent as a board room.