The site had been vacant for a number of years but a recent purchase has seen external painting and signage work begin, with internal renovations to start in the coming months.

James Westley, who purchased the site on Main Road, said he was initially looking at farms in the area when he saw the for sale sign on the building, which dates back to the 1950s.

"I fell in love with it and could see so much potential for the building to be repurposed," said Mr Westley, who works in the Melbourne building industry but is planning a permanent move to the area.

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"It would be the ideal location for a boutique bakery ... and the other spaces would lend themselves to any number of uses."

The plans hit a slight bump when, late last month, a sign to share news of something "exciting" coming and attract the attention of potential tenants was partially destroyed the night after its installation.

"I came down from Melbourne to Tasmania to complete works on the property. As well as cleaning and general tidy up, I also installed a permanent steel sign," he said.

"Judging by the damage, which was very malicious and deliberate, it also looks as though someone tried to run over the sign with a four-wheel drive or truck."

Now reinstalled, Mr Westley said the incident was a bit of a "kick in the guts". Though he has received much positive feedback from passersby.

With council planning approval in place for four separate tenancies - including a large retail showroom or warehouse, a food tenancy, and two retail or office spaces - he hopes "The Old Servo" will attract new or existing businesses for the benefit of the town.

"This will help to promote the town and provide more reasons for people to stop on their way through to the vineyards and lavender farm on the other side of Lilydale, as well as providing more services and amenities to the thriving local community," he said.

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