Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings to launch new virtual tour

National Lottery funded attractions such as Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings say #ThanksToYou for 25 years of support, on Sunday 24 November 2019

At Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings we want to say #ThanksToYou and all the National Lottery players who have helped make the restoration of the Main Mill and Kiln of the world’s first iron-framed building possible. 

This year is the 25th Birthday of The National Lottery, and the Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings and Historic England are celebrating the contribution of National Lottery players in supporting good causes over the past 25 years by inviting local residents to join them  in the Visitor Centre on site for the launch of their new virtual tour on Sunday 24^th November.  Guests at this free event will be the first to see this new addition to the visitor experience whilst enjoying seasonal mulled wine and mince pies.  

More than £40 billion has been raised for good causes by players over the past 25 years in the areas of arts, sport, heritage and community. If you play, then you contributed to The National Lottery Heritage Fund grant of £20.7 million that has made this project possible.  

Alan Mosley, Chairman of the Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings said:

“We are delighted with the skilful work of Shropshire-based agency SEEABLE Ltd, who have created this opportunity for us to show visitors the inside of the Flaxmill Maltings and show how work has progressed between 2017 and 2019. It offers a unique new experience for those who come to our Visitor Centre, to be able to see inside before we will fully open in the summer of 2021. Funding from The National Lottery is making this entire restoration project possible and it is very fitting to launch this exciting new addition during the 25^th birthday celebrations.”

This innovative new tour format will take visitors inside the Main Mill and show them around without actually setting foot inside the building.  This means that the inside of the building can now be seen by those who couldn’t previously access the tours and can also be seen when the building is inaccessible due to the construction schedule.   The accompanying talks will show progress made on the restoration of the Main Mill and Kiln so far and hear about what is happening at the moment with this exciting and challenging project, as well as future plans for the site. 

Working collaboratively, the Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings and Historic England are bringing this building back to life and representatives of both will be there on the day to answer your questions.

 Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of the National Lottery Heritage Lottery Fund, said:

“This year the National Lottery turns 25, and what better way to say thank you than offering special offers at some of the places that players have helped fund. It’s not only our wonderful heritage sites that are offering thanks - we also have free entry and special offers at National Lottery funded arts, sports and community attractions - all the places that make the UK such a great place to live.”

The virtual tour launch will be held on Sunday 24 November 2019 at the Visitor Centre, Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings.  Pre-booking for timed slots is required and this event is for over 18’s only.  Details of how to reserve a place at this special event and full T&C’s can be found on Eventbrite.

You need to bring your proof of National Lottery ticket purchase with you on the day.  We are one of hundreds of National Lottery-funded projects across the UK who are taking part in the #ThanksToYou campaign in this special Birthday year.