Project manager is chosen for Flax Mill

Elizabeth Perkins will take up the new role in October after leaving her current job as director of Birmingham Conservation Trust. She will be responsible for overseeing and co-ordinating the development work.

It is needed ahead of an £11.6 million bid for funding to the Heritage Lottery Fund next year.

"Ditherington Flax Mill is a hugely important historic building and the whole complex presents one of the biggest heritage challenges there is around at the moment," she said.

"I was involved in an early scheme for the site over ten years ago when I was living in Shrewsbury but so much has happened since then. I am delighted to be joining the team who will be starting the transformation of the site over the next couple of years."

Her appointment follows the partnership team of Shropshire Council, English Heritage and the Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings being awarded £465,300 of development funding by the HLF in May.

As part of the work that will be done ahead of next year's bid, a business plan for the site will be drawn up, while potential users of the development will also be identified.

Mal Price, Shropshire Council's Cabinet member for economic growth and prosperity, said: "We received a large number of high-quality applications for this role, but with her experience and knowledge Elizabeth was the outstanding candidate, and really impressed us at her interview."

Earlier this week, it was announced demolition work on three buildings surrounding the Flax Mill had been delayed for a fortnight.