Issue 35 autumn 2022 - Flipbook - Page 45
The Mill exhibition designed
by Mather & Co opens in the
restored Main Mill at Shrewsbury
Flaxmill Maltings
Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, also known as the ‘grandparent of skyscrapers’, has been
rejuvenated with a new exhibition, independent café, shop, offices, and venue space.
This newly restored industrial mill has been repurposed into a visitor destination and
workplace, where people can come to visit, work, play, learn and eat.
with additional funding from the Marches Local
Enterprise Partnership via its Growth Deal with Government, and from project partners Historic England, Shropshire Council and the Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings.
Leading exhibition designers, Mather & Co, are
responsible for the exhibition design, content development, and internal and external interpretation throughout the site. Mather & Co has also designed the new site
tour – due to open in 2023.
Robyn Llewellyn, Director of England, Midlands & East
at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “We are
thrilled to have supported the redevelopment of Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings with a grant of £20.7m, made
possible thanks to National Lottery players. I would like
to thank Historic England and The Friends of Flaxmill
Maltings for their tireless efforts in bringing this important
heritage site back to life, ensuring its trailblazing history
is preserved for all to celebrate.”
Paul Lee, Design Director at Mather & Co said: “From
the grandparent of skyscrapers to the ground-breaking
conservation and restoration project, the new interpretation and exhibition spaces tell the story of this unique site
and celebrates the individuals and communities who have
helped shape what we see today.
“It has been a pleasure and privilege for Mather & Co to
be a part of this journey. We hope this will connect with
today’s audiences and bring these stories to life through the
new exhibition spaces for the next generation of visitors.”
Upon completion in 1797, Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings
was the world’s first iron-framed building that paved the
way for skyscrapers around the world – making the site
internationally significant. Historic England took leadership of the project in 2014, with the goal to create a
long-term future for Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings by
developing a hub where the community can visit, work,
eat and learn.
The restoration of the Grade I listed Main Mill and the
Grade II listed Kiln at the site has been supported by a
£20.7 million grant thanks to National Lottery players
through The National Lottery Heritage Fund, combined
Conservation & Heritage Journal
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