Ditherington Flax Mill's listed buildings have been empty since 1987, and fallen into disrepair. © English Heritage
The world’s first iron framed building, the ancestor of the modern skyscraper, has been bought by English Heritage after a grant from Advantage West Midlands.
Shrewsbury’s Ditherington Flax Mill has been lying empty since 1987 and, despite a series of owners, has fallen into serious neglect and decay.
English Heritage plans to regenerate the site to include a mix of residential, business, community and heritage uses, with public access to the building’s interior.
The buildings' iron beams and columns were fireproof and paved the way for the development of skyscrapers. © English Heritage
“Ditherington Flax Mill is an outstanding building of international importance and one of the most significant monuments of the Industrial Revolution,” explained Sir Neil Cossons, Chairman of English Heritage. “It is one of those rare structures that changed the world of construction and design. With its revolutionary iron frame it was the predecessor of the modern skyscraper.”
The grant ends years of decline despite parts of the site being Grade I and II listed buildings. English Heritage and Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council had been in discussions to buy the site from its private owners Maltings Development Limited (MDL) and a compulsory purchase order was served in August 2004. These talks collapsed when MDL went into liquidation in March 2005.
Empty streets will be regenerated and the public will have access to the mill's interior. © English Heritage
English Heritage is now looking to work with a specialist private sector developer to regenerate the site.
“The news that the building is to be saved and preserved, and part of a greater regeneration scheme for the area of Ditherington, is incredible,” said local Councillor Malcolm Price.
The mill was built in 1797 specifically to process flax, which was highly flammable. The design incorporated fireproof cast iron columns and beams, paving the way for the construction of skyscrapers. It is considered to be one of the most important buildings at risk of neglect or decay in England.
Sir Neil added: “We are confident that the Flax Mill will be saved for the nation and once again become a thriving local resource, bringing new life to the surrounding area.”
