After months of work and a series of complexities, the major renovation at Colyton's Town Mill has finally been completed. 

Due to a variety of unforeseen issues, the development undertaken by Axminster Property took longer than planned on the Rosemary Lane site, which has stood unused since the 1990s.

It now offers a diverse range of office and commercial units for local businesses.

Axminster Property managing director Ian Styles said: "There were a lot of demands and unexpected issues but the final development has such a great feel to it. 

"Lots of people said to me that Colyton lost its heart with the closure of the CeramTec's premises, so I hope that the reopening of the Town Mill has restored that." 

He adds: "For us, our remit has always been in the Axe Valley area so it has been a pleasure to work in Colyton as it reinforced our policy of investing local money in local infrastructure for the benefit of the community." 

The development still has remaining office space available – a suite in the main mill building and bespoke offices above the other business units.

A jewel of an opportunity

Juliette McElligott moved her jewellery school and sewing business to the mill

Juliette McElligott is one local business person who has taken up space in the Town Mill development, moving her jewellery school and sewing business from her home to one of the mill studios.

A typical three-hour taster session with Juliette, consists of creating your own jewellery using 100% recyclable sheet and wire sterling silver. 

You can develop your own ideas or work from Juliette's portfolio with as much input as you need from her. 

Juliette said: "My main objective is for people to have fun and do something creative that they never thought they would be able to do."

"My businesses are growing nicely after just a few months of trading here. I am being really well supported by the community and I can't thank people enough." 

New at the mill 

Gary and Suzi Blackett of Ciclo

Tucked away in one of the rear units at Colyton's Town Mill, is Ciclo, a bike business with a difference. 

Owned by Gary and Suzi Blackett, most customers arrive by appointment to have middle/high end cycles built, fitted to their own specifications, upgraded and serviced. 

The bikes they work with are typically of Italian manufacture in steel, aluminium or carbon fibre. 

Gary said: "We aim to offer a personal service that involves spending a significant amount of time with our customers as we plan to style it as a cycle studio rather than a retail shop." 

Gary and Suzi chose the Town Mill location due to the quality of the development and the convenience of being able to work close to their home in Colyton.

And what about that door?

The mill's carved wooden door has been kept safe

There was little to love about the Old Mill site whilst it lay derelict – except perhaps the carved door that fronted onto Rosemary Lane. 

Partly covered with undergrowth, it was the one attractive feature in a frontage that was in serious decline. 

The good news is that it was salvaged by Axminster Property's building team and is safely stored within Juliette's jewellery school, where she has plans to display it to best effect. 

Although it looks much older, the door is estimated to only be about 30 to 35 years old.

With thanks to Colyton Parish Council Community Newsletter