A department store which shut last year has been bought and will be turned into retail units.

Axminster Propertyhas announced that Trinity House has been bought.

The former Goulds-owned department store closed its doors in September following ‘economic pressures’ which made the business ‘unprofitable’.

Ian Styles, of Axminster Property, said: “Axminster Property is pleased to confirm the purchase of Trinity House, Axminster.

“We are delighted to welcome our first of many tenants and will be releasing more information on who will be joining us at Trinity House as soon as we are able.

“Work will start very soon on a facelift for this classic building that we sincerely hope will form a new centre of excellence in retailing, encouraging businesses to thrive in the redevelopment and emergence of Axminster town centre as a place to shop.

“It won’t happen overnight, but we are determined it will and can happen with investment and support from all of us in the Axe Valley and surrounding areas.”

Kelly Apps, also of Axminster Property, said: "We entered into negotiations now some months back and appreciate everyone's patience during these times when it has been unclear what was happening. There were some legal loop holes to jump through but we are there now.

"We wanted to ensure that the building was not left empty for longer than necessary to secure the future of Axminster.

"As you will appreciate, a building in that location of that size left abandoned could be disastrous for a wonderful little town like Axminster and we are just too passionate about this area to let that happen.

"We are already getting a great deal of interest in the remaining units but would encourage anyone wanting to benefit from this great location, and the restoration of this historic building, to contact me on 01297 302439 or email kelly.apps@axminsterproperty.co.uk."