Work is well and truly underway to transform Colyton's dilapidated old town mill site into a thriving working environment, providing a sustainable future for the local community.

Axminster Property has undertaken a major renovation of the site on Rosemary Lane, which has stood unused since the 1990s.

The milling trade has played a major part in Colyton's history, and there are still many leats under the town which were used to divert river water to its various mills.

Having stood empty for the best part of the 30 years, Axminster Property purchased the site for one of its prestigious pension funds in July last year and has now started work on converting the original mill house into offices, and the more modern adjoining riverside workshop into units for light industrial use.

In total, the development will be made up of eight energy-efficient and accessible units that will breath new life into the Axe Valley economy and provide sustainable employment opportunities for residents of Colyton and the surrounding areas.

Initial works have included taking down the old stone wall on Rosemary Lane as it was structurally unsound, but the original stone has been preserved and will be used to construct a new wall in a similar style.

The unique carved wooden door which stood in the wall has also been carefully preserved and discussions are underway on how this could be best used or displayed locally in the future.

The town mill will be both an attractive and practical location to work, with stunning views of the countryside, car parking facilities and quick road links to the surrounding East Devon area and Exeter.

The development is sure to be finished to an excellent standard, with Axminster Property known for its high-quality renovations, including the recent conversion of former department store Trinity House, in Axminster, which has been split into separate retail units on the ground floor with the popular Community Waffle House above.

Managing director Ian Styles said: "This is going to be an amazing place to work. We are super excited with the interest we have received and hope soon to make some announcements with regards our key tenants."