Wates’ revamp of the historic Flax Mill Maltings site in Shrewsbury for Shropshire council has moved a step closer winning a £12.8m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Construction is now set to commence in October 2013 and will be completed in early 2016, with the site scheduled to be open to the public by spring 2016.

Wates was appointed as lead contractor in May and Fielden Clegg Bradley is the architect.

Situated on the northern edge of Shrewsbury, 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.