Shrewsbury Flaxmill to launch its visitor site

It means the first part of plans to save the site for future generations is now complete.

The centre will include an interactive visitor experience and education facility charting the site's history, along with the story of its engineering, architectural and social legacy.

The work has been the result of a collaboration between Historic England, The Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings and Shropshire Council.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, which has been leading the regeneration efforts, said: "Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings changed the world of construction and design with its revolutionary iron frame and I'm delighted to announce the completion of the first stage of its revival. For the first time on a day-to-day basis visitors will be able to find out more about the fascinating history. But, there is still much more to do and we'll continue to work to make sure this incredibly important piece of international heritage has a sustainable future worthy of its past."

Alan Mosley, chair of Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings, which will manage the visitor centre, paid tribute to those who have supported the project.

He said: "Our aim is to bring the site back to life and we are delighted to have played such a prominent role in achieving this first stage. This success is testament to the hard work of many volunteers and the enthusiasm of the local and wider community for this exciting project."

Councillor Mal Price, Shropshire Council's cabinet member with responsibility for the site, added: "This is a hugely complex project, but the completion of phase one is a significant and important development, and is excellent news."

Situated on the northern edge of the town, the site houses the world's first iron-framed building – a forerunner to the modern-day skyscraper – and was instrumental in helping to change the world of construction and design.

The visitor centre will open for a special preview to invited guests, followed by a community open event, on November 24, before opening officially to the public. It will show how flax was processed, the impact of the building's revolutionary iron frame on the world of architecture details of the mill's machinery and technology, illustrate working conditions at the mill, including child labour and tell the story of the change of use from Flaxmill to Maltings and the malting process.

There will also be a short animation film which charts the history of the building and its people, as well as oral history recollections of people who worked at the Maltings and who were barracked there during the last war.

Historic England (previously English Heritage) took over the site in 2005. To coincide with the opening of the visitor centre, Historic England has published Ditherington Mill and the Industrial Revolution which highlights crucial developments in engineering, the textile industry and business practices during the Industrial Revolution.