Ambitious £30 million plans to transform Shrewsbury’s historic flax mill into offices, homes and leisure facilities will be lodged with officials next month, it emerged today.

And if Shropshire Council agrees to the plans, work on Ditherington Flax Mill, also known as The Maltings, could finally begin next year. The long-awaited transformation of the listed building has been mooted for decades.

Now the plans are moving closer to becoming a reality and the public can attend an event this week to learn about the latest proposals.

Chris Smith, Territory Director West for English Heritage, which owns the site, said: “I am delighted that the project is nearing the stage for a planning application.

“Architects Feilden Clegg, Bradley Studios and their design team have achieved a modern engineering solution to resolve the very difficult technical problems presented by the Flax Mill buildings, as well as an exciting and dynamic vision for the whole site.

“In doing so they have produced a very exciting masterplan proposal that has the potential to bring the flax mill site back into its third century of productive use, and which will also act a catalyst for regeneration in the wider area.”

The public event will be held at the mill this Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm, giving people the chance to view the latest plans and designs and to have their say.

The project has support from Shropshire Council, English Heritage, Advantage West Midlands and the Homes and Communities Agency.

Alan Mosley, Shropshire councillor for Castlefields and Ditherington, said: “After decades of indecision and failure there is a real opportunity to realise the enormous potential of this historic site. It will revitalise the local community, give a massive boost to Shrewsbury.”

Those behind the plans are now looking into possible sources of funding, including Heritage Lottery funding.