The building is seen as the predecessor of the skyscraper

Ditherington Flax Mill in Shrewsbury, which is thought to be the world's first building with an iron frame, has been bought by English Heritage.

The building, which has stood empty since 1987, has fallen into a state of neglect and decay.

Conservation work will be carried out on the site, which will then be redeveloped for a mix of residential, business, community and heritage uses.

English Heritage will be working with Advantage West Midlands and Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council to establish what repairs need to be carried out while a developer is sought to continue its regeneration.

To see it in its current state, lying decayed and neglected, windows smashed and roof leaking is little short of scandalous Sir Neil Cossons

Shrewsbury and Atcham Council served a compulsory purchase order on the owner in August last year.

Chairman of English Heritage Sir Neil Cossons said: "Ditherington Flax Mill is an outstanding building of international importance and one of the most significant monuments of the Industrial Revolution.

"It is one of those rare structures that changed the world of construction and design.

"With its revolutionary iron frame it was the predecessor of the modern skyscraper.

"To see it in its current state, lying decayed and neglected, windows smashed and roof leaking is little short of scandalous."