Funding boost for Shrewsbury Flaxmill as restoration enters final phase
The restoration of the world’s oldest iron-framed building at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings has now entered the final phase, boosted by £1 million of funding from Shropshire Council.
Construction works to bring the historically significant Grade I listed Main Mill and the Grade II listed Kiln back to life began in 2017 after a £20.7 million grant was awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Site owners, Historic England, and project partners, the Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings, also committed to contribute significantly towards the project, and a fundraising campaign run by Historic England has raised nearly £900,000 from charitable trusts, foundations, individuals and local companies, in support of the project so far.
The third and final construction phase got underway in January, with contractor Croft Building and Conservation leading the main building works. Croft has a track record of excellence at the Flaxmill Maltings, having led the previous building and conservation projects at the site. Working alongside Croft will be Alun Griffiths Ltd, who will be carrying out infrastructure works around the site from later this year, thanks to additional funding from the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership via its Growth Deal with Government.
Over the next 18 months, final repairs will be carried out on the interior and exterior of the Main Mill and Kiln, before services can be installed across the site and other infrastructure works are carried out. Finally, the internal fit out of the buildings will take place early next year, in preparation for opening in summer 2021.
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive at Historic England said:
“The Flaxmill is one of the most extraordinary historic places in the world. Not only has it played a central role in Shrewsbury for hundreds of years, but its pioneering design preceded the modern day skyscraper and has influenced architecture worldwide. This partnership with Shropshire Council and the Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings has been crucial in enabling this project to happen. It is a pleasure to see these unique buildings coming back to life as we enter the final stages of the restoration of the Main Mill.”
Dating back to 1797, the building operated as a flax mill until 1886 and then as a maltings from 1897 to 1987. It was also a temporary barracks and training centre during the Second World War. Its iron frame was truly pioneering, the work of British engineers who were determined to overcome the problem of timber-framed mills and factories being destroyed when fires broke out. The design gave birth to the modern skyscraper.
Councillor Steve Charmley, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Assets, Economic Growth and Regeneration for Shropshire Council said:
“We’re delighted with the progress of work to transform the historic Flaxmill site into a centre for learning, leisure and business. Work has now reached the stage where, as we promised back in 2010, we will now contribute £1m to help the project proceed to completion, and we’re happy to do so. The development and regeneration of the site will provide a huge boost not just to this area of Shrewsbury, but to the town as a whole, and to the Shropshire economy, and I look forward to welcoming businesses and visitors to the site in the not too distant future.”
Alan Mosley, Chair of the Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings said:
“It is fantastic to see the restoration of these historic buildings reach the final phase of construction. For 30 years, the community has become used to seeing the Main Mill and Kiln standing empty and in poor condition or shrouded in scaffolding but have been thrilled to see the progress in the last few years. It will be wonderful for local people to see these iconic buildings revealed and being fully restored, over the next 18 months, as we move towards their long-awaited opening in summer next year.”
Creating a centre of innovation
The restoration of the Grade I listed Main Mill and the adjacent Grade II Kiln is creating a new learning and enterprise quarter for Shrewsbury. The work is expected to be completed in summer 2021.
The buildings are being transformed into high quality offices for the region’s growing creative industries and small business start-ups, to help drive the town’s renaissance as a regional economic hub. A new visitor centre and a café open to the public are also features of the new design, allowing the community and visitors to come and enjoy Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings and to learn more about its unique place in history.
