Conversion work on Shrewsbury listed building well under way
Work to convert part of Shrewsbury's Grade I listed Flax Mill into a visitor centre is well under way, it has been revealed.
English Heritage has appointed Workhaus Projects to lead on the interpretation and displays for the visitor attraction, funded by the European Regional Development Fund.
The company will work with consultants Creative Good and the Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings, who will be sharing their archive material, to develop the attraction at the Ditherington site.
Work is due to complete by the autumn of 2015 when this part of the site – home of the world's first iron-framed building – will be open to the public.
Tim Johnston, English Heritage project director, said: "Workhaus have come up with some really good ideas to tell the fascinating story of the history the Flax Mill Maltings and the people who worked there, and I have no doubt that it will help bring the site alive for local people and visitors."
Alan Mosley, chairman of the Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings and local councillor, said: "These are exciting times with the first phase of works at the site well under way. We are delighted to be working with Workhaus and confident that they will help us provide an interpretation scheme that this internationally important site deserves and that the community can be proud of.
"The work on the office and stables will also house learning and research spaces along with visitor reception. We can't wait to welcome our first visitors later in the year."
Mike Leeson-McHugh, project manager at Workhaus Projects, added: "We are excited to be a part of the Flax Mill Maltings project. We have a wealth of experience in bringing exhibits to life and our dedication to detail and quality will ensure Flax Mill Maltings visitors learn the history of the building and enjoy the space that the Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings are trying to create."
A funding package of £2.6 million was awarded to stage one of the Shrewsbury Flax Mill Maltings project to kick start regeneration.
The Department for Communities and Local Government has awarded funding through the European Regional Development Fund of the maximum amount of funding requested by English Heritage – £1,169,226.
English Heritage has provided the balance of the funds.
Stage one comprises of the conversion of the office and stables for use by the Friends of the Flaxmill's Maltings as a visitor and reception centre.
It also includes the demolition of the 1950s silo providing further external space for cultural, interpretation and public use.
Workhaus was appointed following a tender process that English Heritage led in conjunction with the Friends of the Flaxmill.
English Heritage announced it was taking the lead in the regeneration of the maltings in March last year.
