IDEAS for the future use of a historic Anglo-Saxon watermill in Christchurch are being sought.

The current agreement for Place Mill, on Christchurch Quay, is coming to an end and Christchurch Borough Council is calling on individuals, community groups and business to come forward.

The Grade II listed building is currently used as an art studio and gallery.

But the council want to hear from other users in order to ensure the building is used to its full potential.

Judith Plumley, head of community and leisure at Christchurch council, said: “Place Mill is currently operated as a successful artist studio and gallery but the current agreement has come to an end and we are required to evaluate expressions of interest from future potential users.

“The building is an important heritage asset in a prominent location and we would like to identify a range of suitable alternative uses that have the widest possible benefits for all before deciding on the future arrangements.”

Place Mill as has medieval stonework and Tudor and eighteenth century brickwork, and was once used for cleaning and thickening cloth and grinding corn until 1908.

After that it was used as a boatshed for 70 years before being purchased by the council and restored in 1981.

It is unique because it takes water from one river, the Avon, and spills it into a second river, the Stour.

Because the millstream provides the water power to move the water wheel, the building frequently floods during the winter months.

Details can be found at dorsetforyou.com/christchurchquay and expressions of interest must be returned to the council by 5.15pm on August 14.

An evaluation report and proposals will be taken to the council’s Community Services Committee on September 30.