Flax Mill Maltings project gets £605,000 boost from Homes and Communities Agency

Work to regenerate Shrewsbury’s historic Flax Mill Maltings site has received a huge boost after the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) agreed to contribute £605,000.

The HCA funding will be put towards the costs incurred in developing the plans to regenerate the site, and in preparing the site for future development.

The internationally-important Flax Mill Maltings site comprises seven listed buildings, including the Main Mill, which was built in 1797 and is the world’s first iron-framed building and the forerunner of the modern skyscraper.

Along with Shropshire Council, English Heritage and the Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings, the HCA is one of the partners behind plans to restore and bring back into use some of the main historic buildings at the site – including the Main Mill, the Kiln, the Dye and Stove House and the Office and Stables.

Funding bids have been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for the funding to deliver the first phase of work at the site, with decisions due to be made this summer.

Andy Evans, Shropshire Council’s head of economic growth and prosperity, said:

“This funding from the HCA is a very important and very welcome step towards the development of the Flax Mill Maltings, and is a big vote of confidence in our plans for the regeneration of the site.”

Chris Smith, National Planning Director for English Heritage said:

“The public sector partnership involved in this project has worked hard to secure a viable solution for this important site and the additional funding is a ringing endorsement of that work. The HCA’s contribution is very welcome.”

For news and information about the plans to regenerate the Flax Mill Maltings site, follow @flaxmillshrews on twitter or visit the Flax Mill Shrewsbury Facebook page.