Shrewsbury’s restored skyscraper forerunner is now open

[ON 10 SEPTEMBER Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings opened to the public following a long-term redevelopment programme. The Maltings is internationally important: its Main Mill is the world’s first iron-framed building – built 1796-7 – and has been dubbed the ‘grandfather of all skyscrapers’. Visitors can now learn about its incredible role in the Industrial Revolution and the great contribution Shrewsbury and the Midlands have made to the world as manufacturers and innovators.

The complex, consisting of eight listed buildings, had been closed for 35 years. Now, following redevelopment under Historic England’s ownership with the help of architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, four of the listed buildings – the Grade One-listed Main Mill and the Grade Two-listed Kiln, Smithy and Stables – are now restored, with the Main Mill opening for the first time as a visitor destination.

The Main Mill building was the first to have an internal frame of castiron columns, beams and tie rods. That innovation by architect Charles Bage gave it the necessary structural strength for many storeys. As such the building paved the way for modern-day skyscrapers such as London’s Shard, Manhattan’s Empire State Building and Dubai’s Burj Khalifa.

Following the site’s beginnings as a flax mill and major local employer in the area from 1797 to 1886, it was repurposed into a modern maltings, which operated until 1987 converting grain into malt for brewing, whisky making and vinegar production. The site was also used as a temporary army barracks during the Second World War.

Funding of £20.7m for the restoration of the Main Mill and Kiln came from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The remaining funding for the restoration of the site has come from Historic England, Shropshire Council, philanthropic donations and additional funding from the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership via its Growth Deal with government.

As well as providing important volunteer support, the Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings played a significant role in supporting the conversion of the Smithy and Stables, which were completed in 2015 thanks to funding from the European Regional Development Fund.

Historic England’s chief executive Duncan Wilson commented: “The restoration of Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings has been challenging and rewarding in equal measure. This is a remarkable and complex site which has involved a vast team of specialists, partners, funders and volunteers to get it back up and running. The result is that a historic building of international importance has been rescued and repurposed, from a derelict state. I am proud that Historic England has led this ambitious and challenging project to successful delivery.”

Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, added: “The transformation is testament to the tenacity of many people, tirelessly working over many years to preserve this unique part of our Industrial Revolution heritage, and I am delighted that we were able to join other funding partners and invest over £20m to support this sustainable project, led by the partnership of Historic England, Shropshire Council and Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings. Thanks to National Lottery players the pioneering Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings will continue to inspire generations to come.”

The restored site features a new ticketed exhibition, The Mill, on the ground floor. Created by Historic England and exhibition consultants Mather & Co, it tells the story of Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings and its crucial role in the industrial revolution.

With digital and hands-on activities for all ages, visitors will walk the floors where spinning machines whirred, flax flew, and barley was processed for beer to brew. They will discover the lives and stories of workers, engineers, soldiers and entrepreneurs who played their part in one of the greatest heritage transformations and regenerations of all time.

It is hoped that the four remaining listed buildings – the Apprentice House (Grade Two), the Cross Mill (Grade One), the Dye House (Grade Two*) and the Warehouse (Grade One) – will be restored in the coming years, once plans for how they will be used and funding to carry out the restoration works are in place. q