[2] Its design effectively overcame much of the problem of fire damage from flammable atmosphere, due to the air containing many fibres, by using a fireproof combination of cast iron columns and cast iron beams,[8] a system which later developed into the modern steel frame which made skyscrapers possible.

The maltings closed in 1987, suffering competition with modern production methods, with the complex left derelict until its purchase by English Heritage with support from the Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council and Advantage West Midlands in 2005.

[10] Following the split of English Heritage in 2015 responsibility for statutory functions and protection of the site was inherited by Historic England with the visitor attractions managed by local charity Friends of the Flaxmill Maltings.

[12] The Main Mill was officially opened on 10 September 2022 as mixed-use workspace and public exhibition with a café and shop.

[15] In January 2025, the mill's owners announced that the visitor centre would be managed by English Heritage[16] from 1 April that year.