A MAJOR project to transform the derelict mill site in Okehampton into a business and community hub is gaining momentum.

The steering group behind the project to convert the mill buildings on Mill Road into a business centre, devoted to the requirements of small and medium-sized enterprises, intend to submit a planning application next month.

The proposal is to demolish the existing derelict building, with the exception of the listed chimney stack, and build a new 20,000 sq ft building which would offer small unit space from 200 sq ft upwards, on flexible lease terms.

The centre will also offer meeting rooms, a café, a gallery, networking opportunities and access to wi-fi internet. For emerging micro-businesses, part-time co-working space will be available.

The design incorporates several renewable energy elements, including solar panels, biomass and a hydroelectric system powered by the leat. Traditional materials such as local stone and timber cladding will be used where possible.

Maddy Carragher, a member of the steering group behind the mill project, said: 'It has been a long road to get where we are now. When it was first discussed about turning the mill into a centre like this a couple of years ago, it was misunderstood that it would be purely for community use.

'However, you can't afford redevelopment of a site like this without a commercial element or a return of some kind. What we've done is create a blend of both commercial and communal uses to get this project going.

'I think this is what Okehampton needs. Lots of small businesses and self-employed people work from home, and that can be very lonely and isolating.

'This centre would allow them to come and drop in to work for a couple of hours, provide a base to meet their customers and improve their credibility as a business, network with other people and local businesses, and really help them grow.'

Tim Capps, who runs Oxenham Consult, a project managing firm handling the design, said: 'Both the design team and myself have been working on the project over the last two years. It is great news that with all the local support we are now in a position to move the project on to the next stage and apply for planning consent on this historic building.'

In addition to the business space, students at Okehampton College are set to benefit from the centre's facilities, providing space for vocational training.

The centre would have a restaurant and café, which as part of its lease would provide valuable experience for catering students, providing work in a real business

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environment.

There are also plans to include a training facility for health, hair and beauty courses, and to create workshop space for artists in the area.

To increase the benefits to the town community, the meeting rooms and gallery space would be available at reduced rates during evenings and weekends for community groups, and all businesses would be encouraged to recruit locally when seeking new employees.

The steering group has held talks with Okehampton United Charity and West Devon Borough Council about their intentions for the site.

Karen Percival from Okehampton United Charity said: 'The Okehampton United Charity is in principle, in support of any project to turn the mill site into something that will benefit the town, but at this time we are unable to say if we can support the project.

'We have yet to see concrete plans as to what the centre will fully entail and whether there will be a charitable element, so we may not be able to support it financially, but in principle we would like to see the derelict mill site developed into something that can be a boost for the town.'

Small businesses are encouraged to apply for details if they are interested in taking space, either as a dedicated office or on a shared basis.

For more information contact [email protected]">[email protected]