Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings
The Friends of Flaxmill Maltings (Friends) were formed in August 2010 in response to the public consultation and growing interest and enthusiasm for the development of the Flax Mill Maltings amongst the community. Our Vision is that:
The Flaxmill Maltings is brought back to life at the heart of the community.
The Flaxmill Maltings is a unique and internationally important site, containing seven listed buildings including the first cast-iron framed building in the world along with the 3rd and 8th. Located in the heart of one of Shropshire’s most deprived communities, in 1985 the buildings became derelict and this important industrial heritage is ‘at risk’.
The Friends have made these important historic buildings accessible so that organisations, groups and individuals can explore, learn, participate in and enjoy the unique and varied heritage. We run tours of the site and special interest events and activities including our annual open weekends in May and September each year, which attract up to 2,500 visitors. Our thriving Arts Group is engaged in a range of community orientated initiatives including working with local schools and colleges. There has always been a tremendous enthusiasm to explore and learn more about the Flax Mill Maltings history. Our Archives and Research group explore the lives of those people who worked or were connected with the Flaxmill Maltings. Initial school visits began in 2010 as a result of pupils’ curiosity about the scaffold covered main mill building. Our education team are developing opportunities for formal and informal learning for all age ranges.