Work underway to remove 1950’S silo at Shrewsbury Flax Mill

The complex deconstruction of the silo will open up the site for future development, and is on track for completion by the end of January 2015.

In response to the international importance of the historic buildings on site, Erith Contractors have showcased an industry leading, innovative approach. Within the silo sit fifteen reinforced concrete storage towers, needing carefully controlled demolition. Erith’s approach is the first of its kind within the United Kingdom and has seen the installation of a platform within the silo, fully equipped with a remote controlled demolition machine, a Brokk, to carry out the deconstruction from the inside out. Attached to a mast climber within the centre of the each tower, the platform can be elevated to various heights in order to achieve a fully controlled and safe deconstruction.

English Heritage awarded the contract to demolish the redundant South Silo at the former Shrewsbury Flax Mill Maltings to Erith Contractors Ltd in September 2014. This followed the funding granted to the project from the European Regional Development Fund.

Prior to demolition the silo was fully encapsulated with scaffolding and a protective sheeting to prevent debris from hitting the adjacent historic buildings. Erith Contractors Ltd are carefully deconstructing the silo in small pieces, so that the historic main mill is not endangered. Specialist vibration monitoring equipment has been installed on site to ensure the historic buildings are secure throughout.

Tim Johnston, Project Director, Shrewsbury Flax Mill Maltings, English Heritage said, “English Heritage very much welcomes the commitment and enthusiasm of Erith Contractors and the Friends of the Flax Mill Maltings in bringing this complex stage forward with the support of the European Regional Development Fund. We look forward to the next stage - developing the interpretation for the Office and Stables which will help tell the fascinating story of this iconic site.”

Alan Mosley, Chair of the Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings and local councillor said, “We are delighted that English Heritage have taken over the leadership of our project leading to this first stage work. We, and the local community are delighted to see such progress and the movement towards creating our own visitor centre, within the Office and Stables, with spaces for interpretation, learning, meetings and study alongside the enhanced public domain open space.”

Mark Jack, of Erith Contractors said, “We are proud to be involved in such a prestigious and intricate project, as we continue to set industry leading standards and lead from the front through such an innovative methodology. Works on site are progressing in line with programme, with the demolition of the silo due to be completed by January 2015.”