Insider Media Limited

A couple who have bought the Wymondam Windmill site in Melton Mowbray have revealed to Insider their plans to create a camping, events and conference centre complex on the historic location. Vincent and Sarah-Jane Fletcher bought the visitor attraction, which also includes cottages, tearooms, retail outlets and workshops, after they secured funding assistance from Lloyds TSB Commercial.

Vincent Fletcher said that the pair had been looking for a suitable business to invest in for the past five years.

"We have a lot of experience in running a business – we've previously run public houses and cottages – and we've been on the lookout for our next business venture for a while. The Wymondham Mill site is perfect; it needs a lot of development but there's a lot of potential," he said.

Fletcher said he and his wife wanted to create a modern complex on the site, while keeping the historical windmill and extending its bar, stable and retail facilities.

"We've already looked into extending the site and using the function room for conferencing and events," he said. "There's also a redundant barn and stables; we'd like to develop that into accommodation and a nursery."

The site currently comprises the windmill, woodland, three cottages, a play area and six workshop and retail units. Shops include photography studios, a bicycle shop, ladies fashion and a florist.

Fletcher said the couple wanted to host events such as wedding fayres and classic car shows on the site, turning it into a "landmark" in the region.

"It's already a visitor attraction because of the windmill, which is 200 years old, but we'd like it to become more of an all-round venue for the town," he said.

The new owners said their first task would be to concentrate on extending the retail outlets and the accommodation on offer, as well as introducing a conference room for small businesses in the area.

"We have spoken to local businesses, and the initial reaction is that it's the ideal location for teambuilding excercises and meeting rooms", said Fletcher. "Once the business and accommodation aspects are on their way, we'll look at developing some of the site into a small campsite."

The couple secured a six-figure loan from Lloyds TSB Commercial to finance the acquisition.

Tom Gawne, relationship manager at the bank, said: "Wymondham Windmill is a business which brings together retailers, leisure and catering facilities and the great outdoors, all against the backdrop of an important local historical landmark.

"Having presented a well thought out business plan, Vincent and Sarah-Jane have identified clear strategic objectives to maximise future growth in the company and we were extremely keen to help support this new business launch."

The Fletchers will host an open day at the mill tomorrow (3 September).