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After more than five years of complex and protracted exploration and negotiation, the future of the historic Cricklepit Mill on Exeter’s Quayside at last seems to be secure.Ìý

Inside the new Cricklepit development

The Devon Wildlife Trust’s proposals to develop the site as its new headquarters have been granted planning permission and, if all goes to plan, building work should start before the end of 2006.

"Achieving planning permission for our designs is a huge milestone in the progress of this project from dream to reality," said Charlie Taylor from the DWT.Ìý

"This 'seal of approval' from all the statutory bodies means that we can progress with confidence in both developing our design details."

The Mill was severely damaged by fire in 1999 but will now form the centrepiece of this development and will be accessible to the public for the first time in many years.ÌýÌý

Traditional millwright Martin Watts has been hired to renovate the mill, starting with the mill machinery, then the waterwheels when the weather allows.

The early state of the millwheel

Martin said: "The mill is a remarkable survival, so close to the city centre. After restoration, the mill will again be capable of grinding corn."

Thankfully lots of the machinery is still in place and will be restored rather than replaced, another plus for Devon as the workings were cast at Bodley's foundry - an Exeter institution which was just across from the mill.

Trevor Smale, the trust's Relocation Project Manager, admitted the restoration of the mill wheels was vital to the project and the area development.

"This is the first step to what will be an exciting programme, " he said. "Bringing back into use what was the old business centre of Exeter."

In the longer term, the external space will become ‘Countryside in the City’, where DWT hopes to stage wildlife events and activities open to all to help spread its conservation message to a wider audience.

Looking across the mill.

"It’s been a long haul," said DWT Director Paul Gompertz. "The Mill has been substantially restored since being gutted by fire and we are proud to give this lovely old building a new lease of life."

The next steps will be to complete the excavations of the site down to the intended level of the foundations to expose the remaining archaeological interest.Ìý

The works will also include the clearance of all rubbish from the site and the erection of new secure hoarding which will raise the profile of the whole project in the area.Ìý

The main building contract is due to start in October and will include a new two storey extension with a green roof to house the staff of 60.