Visitor attraction to open after £28m redevelopment

The world's first iron-framed building will open next month as a visitor attraction following a £28m restoration.

Known as the "grandparent of skyscrapers", the Main Mill structure at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings paved the way for modern-day skyscrapers as the world’s first iron-framed building following construction in 1797.

The site, consisting of eight listed buildings, has been closed for the past 35 years, but four of the buildings are due to open next month as a visitor destination and workspace following a £28m, eight-year restoration programme overseen by Historic England.

The opening will be accompanied by a new exhibition, "The Mill", telling the story of Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, its crucial role in the industrial revolution and those who campaigned to save it.