Blog: Flax Mill redevelopment a feather in the cap for Shrewsbury

Well, it seems so. A lead contractor has been appointed to carry out the first phase of this multi-million pound building project.

And whilst it's a pity that contract has gone to a Surrey firm (albeit one with a base in Birmingham), the appointment of Wates Construction by Shropshire Council is a positive shot in the arm.

It could see work on the site beginning in September. That largely depends on whether those nice people from the Lottery give us 12 million quid (as an alternative, the Flax Mill people could just buy 48 scratch cards from Asda).

It would be lovely to see something happening on the site after so long. Twelve months ago I wrote in these very pages speculating that if this building - let's not forget it is of WORLD importance - was in London the wait might not have been as long.

For those who don't know (where have you been?) the mill was the world's first iron-framed building. The granddaddy of the modern skyscraper.

This first phase of work will see the main historic buildings restored and brought back into use. The final plan is to transform the building into a community hub (I hate that phrase) complete with bars, shops and offices, creating up to 1,000 jobs.

Wates say they will be speaking to local sub-contractors about the work that needs doing to ensure it is a 'truly local project for local people'.

That all sounds a little League of Gentlemen but let's hope they're true to their word. This is a huge project and it is absolutely vital that it benefits local people not just when it is finished but throughout every phase of its development.

There might be some people still wondering what all the fuss is about. I would urge them to attend one of the open days which are being put on this weekend by the Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings (where would this project be without their dedication and enthusiasm?)

They're on Saturday and Sunday. By going along you'll get to see what a magnificent building the flax mill, in a potentially great location.

But this won't be just some dry presentation. There will also be music, art exhibitions and refreshments available.

I am personally desperate to see the Flax Mill development come to fruition. It would be a real feather in the cap for Shrewsbury and Shropshire.

Much better than wasting money on a statue that looks like a child's toy or a pedestrian crossing that turns a road into an accident waiting to happen, at any rate.