'Father of the skyscraper' rescued for the nation

Ditherington Flax Mill in Shrewsbury , the world’s first iron framed building and ancestor of the modern sky-scraper, has been bought by English Heritage thanks to a grant from Advantage West Midlands.

Despite its global importance, the mill has been lying empty since 1987 and has fallen into a state of dangerous neglect and decay. Today’s purchase will at long last secure its future, putting an end to more than a decade of gradual decline.

English Heritage, Advantage West Midlands and Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council will be working together to establish what conservation work is needed and the most pressing repairs and security works will be carried out as a priority. At the same time, a developer will be sought to take forward the regeneration of the site which is likely to include a mix of residential, business, community and heritage uses. Public access to the building’s remarkable interior will form part of the plan.

Sir Neil Cossons, Chairman of English Heritage, said: “Ditherington Flax Mill is an outstanding building of international importance and one of the most significant monuments of the Industrial Revolution. 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 sky-scraper. To see it in its current state, lying decayed and neglected, windows smashed and roof leaking is little short of scandalous.

“But the neglect ends here! Thanks to vital funding from Advantage West Midlands, English Heritage has at long last been able to secure the future of this internationally important building. By bringing in a specialist private sector developer 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.”

Mark Pearce, Director for Shropshire at Advantage West Midlands said: “This purchase is an important step towards restoring the Flax Mill back to its former glory. We are confident that the redevelopment of the site will have a positive knock-on effect for the surrounding area, which provides a unique opportunity for future redevelopment and regeneration. Eventually, the Flax Mill should provide the focus for a vibrant gateway into the heart of the town centre.”

Councillor Malcolm Price, Conservation and Design Champion for the Council, said: “The future of one of Shrewsbury’s most historic buildings has been the subject of debate for many years, with local people believing that it would continue to fall into disrepair and remain a blot on the landscape of this northern gateway to the town.

“The news that finally the building is to be saved and preserved, and part of a greater regeneration scheme for the area of Ditherington, is incredible.

“This, I believe, will also be the catalyst for further development, in an area that has been neglected and run down for many years.

“I must pay tribute to the persistence and tenacity of the partnership team of the Council, Advantage West Midlands and English Heritage in securing this fantastic historic building for future generations.”

Since the mill buildings were left vacant in 1987, a series of owners have tried to find a viable future for them, but without any success.

In 2001 the Flax Mill was bought by Maltings Development Limited (MDL). English Heritage and Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council tried to help them find a commercial solution for the site. In 2003, fears over the continued decline of the site led Shrewsbury and Atcham to issue an Urgent Works Notice. The work was carried out in 2004, managed by English Heritage. A subsequent Full Repairs Notice led to a Compulsory Purchase Order being served in August 2004. During this time English Heritage and Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council held discussions with MDL with a view to buying the site. However, these discussions came to an end when MDL went into liquidation earlier this month.

Notes to Editors:

Ditherington Flax Mill was the first iron-framed building in the world. Built in 1797, its fireproof combination of cast iron columns and cast iron beams developed into the modern steel frame which made skyscrapers possible. Despite its global importance, the mill has stood empty since 1987 and is considered to be one of the most important buildings at risk of neglect and decay in England . The Flax Mill is listed at Grade I and the site contains a range of other historic buildings listed at Grade II* and II.

Images

Pictures are available on the Press Association website papicselect.com in the English Heritage folder under Ditherington Flax Mill.

For further information contact:

Helen Barnet, English Heritage Corporate Communications, on 020 7973 3252