A bid to secure more than £12 million to transform Shrewsbury’s historic Flax Mill has been refused.
Shropshire Council has revealed that plans to redevelop the Flax Mill – the world’s first iron framed building – is facing a setback after the project failed to make the shortlist for cash in the latest batch of applications to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
The council still needs to find about £17m to ensure its vision to transform the Grade I listed site in Ditherington into shops, homes and offices becomes a reality.
But officials from the council have reaffirmed their commitment to the project and said they would now be exploring other avenues of funding.
The HLF said it had assessed a £12.7m application from the council for the conservation and redevelopment of the Flax Mill.
Carole Souter, chief executive of HLF, said: “This meeting was very over-subscribed and one of the most competitive that the Heritage Lottery Fund has ever faced.
“The quality of bids was also exceptionally high.
“The Ditherington Flax Mill Maltings project was excellent but we simply did not have enough money to support it on the day. We will be meeting with representatives from Shropshire Council shortly to discuss the best way forward.”
Councillor Malcolm Price, Shropshire Council cabinet member for planning, said it was ‘disappointing’ news.
“We will be meeting with the HLF over the next couple of weeks to discuss the bid and the way forward. Shropshire Council, together with all of the partners involved, remain committed to the regeneration of the Ditherington Flax Mill and the wider Northern Corridor area of Shrewsbury.”
Councillor Alan Mosley, chairman of the Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings group, said: “We are extremely disappointed by the announcement following the tremendous competition for funding this year. We hope to play a prominent role in a renewed bid. In the meantime we will be submitting our own bid, at a regional level, so that we can further our work to establish the site as a basis for community activity, learning and enjoyment.”
by Charlotte Hester