Construction will be completed in early 2016 with the site scheduled to be open to the public by spring 2016.

Wates is now inviting local and small businesses in Shropshire who are interested in being involved in the building’s redevelopment to register their details at [email protected]

Wates was appointed as lead contractor in May and since then has been working with Shropshire Council to help develop the design and build solutions and cost plan for the Flax Mill.

The Flax Mill Maltings comprises seven listed buildings including the Main Mill, which was built in 1797 and is the world’s first iron-framed building and the forerunner of the modern skyscraper.

The £12.8m grant will be put towards the first phase of the site’s redevelopment, which will restore and bring back into a third century of productive use the Main Mill, the Kiln, the Dye and Stove House and the Office and Stables.

Space will be provided for commercial and community use, including exhibition space for visitors to learn about the building’s place in social and international history.

Andy Hands, Business Manager for Wates Construction in the Midlands, said: “We are delighted with the announcement that the Heritage Lottery Fund will be investing in this historically significant building.

“The past few months have been spent in close consultation with Shropshire Council to help make the vision for the Flax Mill Maltings a reality and we are now looking forward to taking these ambitious plans forward to bring the mill back to life.

“We have an excellent site team in place to begin the construction works later this year and we fully intend to engage local suppliers, subcontractors and the wider Shropshire community in the works – making this a truly local project for local people.”