Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings

Restoration and conservation of Grade I & II listed structures at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings

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This historic building, known as the world’s first iron-frame structure, has been transformed into a contemporary, flexible workspace while maintaining architectural heritage. Gleeds ensured the project’s success through innovative structural reinforcement and precise cost management.

Originally opened in 1797, Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings is often called “the grandparent of skyscrapers". This redevelopment aimed to transform the site into a vibrant mixed-use space, preserving a rich heritage while introducing modern functionalities. It houses several historic listed buildings, including the world’s oldest surviving iron-framed structure. The site covers 9,055m² across seven buildings, with the Flax Mill itself designated as Grade I listed, and the others as Grade II* and Grade II.

Gleeds’ Bristol office provided quantity surveying, health and safety services and cost planning support, leading to approvals for Phase 1 procurement, crucial for stabilising the structure. Gleeds’ scope of works took place over three main phases, plus an ancillary infrastructure scope of works as follows:  

  • Phase 1: Secured the structure with a prop frame and needling techniques, temporary foundations, new window openings, tie rods installation, and extensive roof restoration, involving repairs to the timber structure and the complete replacement of coverings, including rainwater goods, lightning protection, and photovoltaic panels.
  • Phase 2: Continued restoration of the Main Mill, which expanded to include the Engine Houses, Jubilee Tower, and Kiln, including re-roofing, brickwork, window repairs, and structural reinforcements to the frame through insertion of new steel columns to the first-floor structure of the Main Mill.
  • Phase 3: Final refurbishments, including fit-out, M&E service installations, external works, sitewide drainage, new car parking, and landscaping. Additional S38 & S278 infrastructure works were introduced to unlock future development potential.

5,596

m2

gross internal area

£ 20.7

m

grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund

9,055

m2

accommodation area

17,000

volunteer hours

Challenges and solutions

The site, which had historically served as a flax mill, maltings and military barracks, fell into disrepair after closing in 1987, and was listed on the 'Heritage at Risk' Register. Historic England intervened as 'owner of last resort' in 2005, to repurpose the site. The long-term plan involved S38 and S278 works, funded by a local enterprise partnership. Careful consideration was given throughout to procurement to ensure a quality outcome with efficient use of capital, resulting in the project being divided into three single-stage contracts, with extensive surveys and specialist input. The project also faced many challenges including major disruption to progress owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting lockdowns. As a result, Gleeds worked closely with the client, contractor and other stakeholders to ensure works stayed on track and within budget.

Community engagement through events, art exhibitions, and Heritage Open Days generated interest and provided volunteering, training and employment opportunities, fostering a sense of local involvement and project progression.

Results

Gleeds’ engaging approach and advice across all phases led to mutually acceptable commercial outcomes that crucially minimised value engineering or de-scoping of the works, resulting in a successful project for all parties. The main works are now complete and a showcase heritage development, with modern infrastructure works also serving as a key integral part of future development plans, with current ongoing design work for residential potential. 

The project has won several awards, including:

  • RIBA National Award 2024
  • RIBA West Midlands Award 2024
  • RIBA West Midlands Building of the Year 2024
  • RIBA West Midlands Project Architect of the Year 2024 (Tim Greensmith)
  • RIBA West Midlands Client of the Year 2024 (Historic England)
  • Europa Nostra Award 2024 Winner
  • Civil Trust Conservation Award 2024 Winner
  • BDA Brick Awards 2023 Supreme Winner.

Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings comprises eight listed buildings; four now restored, with four others needing funding to bring them back to life (Apprentice House, Cross Mill, Dye House, and Warehouse). The S38 and S278 works opened peripheral areas, facilitating future residential development with Gleeds providing early cost advice. By 2026, housing development will commence following detailed designs and consultations. This project not only preserves a historically significant structure, but also revitalises it for contemporary use, ensuring its legacy continues for future generations.

1797

Main Mill – Grade I: Five storeys, built in 1797, the first iron-framed building

1812

Cross Mill – Grade I: Four storeys, rebuilt in 1812

1898

The Kiln – Grade II: Built in 1898

  • Evaluated options for offices, retail, a museum, and residential use with the client
  • Conducted site surveys and investigations for project planning
  • Managed asbestos removal, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance
  • Pursued additional funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund
  • Secured stakeholder support through public consultations
  • Partnered with Historic England Advantage West Midlands, and Shropshire Council to align with historic and community goals
  • Designed the project to preserve and enhance the site's historic character
  • Maintained high design standards throughout
  • Engaged a private sector partner for extra funding and expertise.

  • Queen’s Coronet: Restored from May 2019, added in 1897 for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee
  • Jubilee Tower: Restored by October 2020, including roof and timber repairs
  • Iron water tank and bell cote: Fully restored by March 2020
  • Engine Houses: Completed in July 2020, including timber cladding, repainting, and roof repairs
  • The Kiln: Transformed for commercial use with new steel structure, roof, lift shafts, and walkways.

  • Ground source heat pump
  • Double glazed windows
  • Permeable car park
  • Surface water management