IDEAS to develop the historic Old Mill Site in Okehampton will be looked into early next year when West Devon Borough Council has secured purchase of the site.
The borough council has had an option to buy the site for some time but is hoping to complete the sale within the next couple of months.
Deputy chief executive of the council David Inman said one of the reasons for purchasing the site was to facilitate the Sustrans cycle route which will run through it.
'We are looking to complete the link with the cycle route on this side of town early in the new year,' he said. 'We will also be looking at the options available for developing that site.'
The number of options include artist Ray Smith's idea for an outdoor activity centre, a craft centre or using part of the site for car parking.
Controversy arose following the original proposal to demolish some of the old stone buildings to put the cycle-way through the site.
Local campaigners said the buildings, which dated back to the 1700s, should be retained and restored because of their great historic importance to Okehampton.
Although the cycle route will now run through the site avoiding the buildings of historic value, Mr Inman said: 'Clearly, some of the buildings are dangerous and there will be no option to remove them.
'There are interesting buildings on the site and we understand that people wish them to be retained.
'We are aware of heritage and importance this site has in the Okehampton scene, but people have to bear in mind that if the buildings are dangerous it cannot be used for anything.'
The only part of the site listed is the chimney.
Requests have been made from members of the public that if any building are demolished the stone is kept within Okehampton.
Mr Inman said public consultation for proposed uses of the Old Mill Site would be through the planning process 'at the bear minimum'.