Demolition of Shrewsbury Flax Mill silo complete

The south silo at the site in Ditherington has been razed to the ground. Work has now begun on the old office and stables buildings which are set to become a visitor centre run by the Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings.

Councillor Alan Mosley, chairman of the Friends said: "We and the local community are delighted to see great progress on the site with the creation our own visitor centre, within the office and stables.

"There will be spaces for interpretation, learning, meetings and study alongside the enhanced public domain open space.

"Everyone has worked very hard to achieve this major step forward and we look to this phase one project serving as a catalyst for the regeneration of the wider site."

It was once the site of a busy working silo – but today there is almost no evidence of the now fully demolished building.

English Heritage awarded the contract to demolish the south silo at the former Shrewsbury Flax Mill Maltings to Erith Contractors Ltd in September 2014 and work has been completed on schedule.

Prior to demolition the silo was shrouded with scaffolding and a protective sheeting to prevent debris from hitting the adjacent historic buildings.

Erith Contractors Ltd said they deconstructed the silo in small pieces, so that the historic main mill was not endangered. Specialist vibration monitoring equipment was installed on site to ensure the historic buildings were secure throughout.

Tim Johnston, project director, said: "We'd like to thank everyone local to the mill for their patience as the silo was demolished.

"We are really excited about the next stage - developing the interpretation for the office and stables which will help tell the fascinating story of this iconic site."

A funding package of £2.6m was awarded to stage one of the Shrewsbury Flax Mill Maltings project to kick start regeneration.

Stage one comprises of the conversion of the office and stables for use by the Friends of the Flax Mill Maltings as a visitor and reception centre and associated public realm work and the demolition of the 1950's silo providing further external space for cultural, interpretation and public use.

Councillor Mal Price, Shropshire Council cabinet member, said: "Shropshire Council is delighted to see the first phase of the site's development progressing as planned.

"By creating a welcoming entrance to the site with interpretation and cultural activity provided by the Friends of Flax Mill Maltings this will enable the public to have greater access. This first stage is important and will kick start the rest of the site's regeneration."

Conversion of the office and stables are due for completion by autumn 2015.