New Shrewsbury Flax Mill visitor centre to be unveiled to public
A new multi-million pound visitor centre has been unveiled at thw Flax Mill in Shrewsbury.
The centre, at the Flax Mill Maltings in Ditherington, is phase one of a major renovation and will welcome people to the site. It will be officially opened by the chief executive of Historic England Duncan Wilson on Tuesday.
It is hoped that the main mill will be renovated within five years, although further Lottery funding is needed.
Nick Hill, project manager, said: "We hope that it will be done within the next five years. If everything falls in to place then the main mill will have been repaired."
Interactive screens, audio visual displays and information boards will tell the story of the 200-year-old site and those who lived and worked there.
"It is a real step forward for the site," said Alan Mosley, chairman of the Friends of the Flax Mill which has been involved with the redevelopment.
"The visitor centre will welcome all who come along and want to find out more. It is the first step in a major redevelopment of the site."
Home to a number of Grade I and Grade II listed buildings, the site has been renovated by Historic England, the Friends of the Flax Mill and Shropshire Council.
The finishing touches are being put to the visitor centre which is housed in former mill offices and stables.
Tim Johnston, project director from Historic England, said: "The centre really is the first step in the regeneration of the entire site. People will be able to come in, have a look at the centre and the information contained there."
