Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings

Shropshire, West Midlands

AABC Conservation Awards Citation

The Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings stands as a testament to Historic England’s innovative approach to heritage-led regeneration, conservation, and sustainable development. 

In 2005, facing the imminent collapse of these Grade I and II listed buildings, Historic England stepped in as the owner of last resort. Recognising the site’s significance to the local economy, a pioneering solution was sought to revitalise the structures and ensure their relevance for the next century. The Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings includes the world’s first iron-framed building, the Main Mill, built in 1797. The iron frame, a pioneering feat by industrialist John Marshall and engineer Charles Bage, revolutionised construction, setting the stage for modern skyscrapers. Over the years, this historic site evolved, incorporating additional iron-framed buildings, the Cross Mill and Warehouse, as well as later additions like the Dye House, Apprentice House, Smithy, and Stables. 

The conservation philosophy aimed to preserve the enduring elements of both the Flaxmill and Maltings eras, weaving them together with a new contemporary layer. The buildings, once on the Heritage at Risk Register, required a delicate balance between international academic significance and local intangible significance. The result is the Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, a harmonious blend of the old and new.

The conservation efforts involved a meticulous approach to address structural challenges, such as the instability of the ground and hidden timber within the masonry, described as a “ticking time bomb.” A thirteen-step plan was developed to safely remove the timber and strengthen the fragile iron frame, avoiding a forest of new columns in the historic interior spaces. Thermal upgrading was a key consideration for limiting operational energy, and a trial room in the South Engine House demonstrated the efficacy of wood fibre insulation and lime plaster finish. The existing masonry underwent traditional repointing with hot lime mortar to ensure moisture dissipation. The works included salvaging and reusing bricks from the original construction, employing hand-thrown, kiln-fired bricks from Northcot for replacements. Slate roofs were replaced with Welsh slate, and original iron rainwater goods were carefully repaired or re-cast. A comprehensive program of repair, reuse, and retrofitting combined modern sustainable practices with traditional materials. The Oxide Red colour, restored from early colour photos, adorn the buildings as part of their historical livery. 

Skilled craftsmanship was prioritised, and a heritage skills program ensures the transfer of knowledge to students from industry professionals.

Judges’ Comments: “The Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, now reborn as a vibrant business hub and heritage destination, stands as a beacon of successful heritage-led regeneration, showcasing the delicate balance between preserving the past and embracing the future.”