A WORLD CLASS outdoor education and training centre is to be developed in Exeter.

The £5.6 million centre at Haven Banks on the canal basin will be built and paid for by Devon County Council.

And, in a pioneering partnership, it will be run with Exeter College on a day-to-day basis.

The new development will replace the outdated existing activity centre on the Quay.

That currently provides outdoor education courses for more than 25,000 young people a year.

They include courses for sailing, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, climbing, caving, orienteering, archery, raft building, team building and first aid at Haven Banks and locations around Devon.

The new centre will provide a contemporary hub for outdoor adventure activities for young people and adults from Exeter and Devon and across the region.

Work is scheduled to start in the autumn and be completed by the spring of 2013.

Devon County Council leader John Hart said: “This is another major investment in Exeter by Devon County Council which will only serve to boost the economy of the city.

“It is the biggest single sum ever to be allocated from the proceeds of the sale of Exeter Airport.

“The new centre will provide 21st century facilities for a wide range of activities for both young people and adults in the growing sector of adventure pursuits.

“It is a major boost for Exeter and I am delighted that we have been able to enter into a long-term partnership with Exeter College to run the whole operation.”

Exeter College Principal, Richard Atkins, said: “Exeter College is delighted to be working as a strategic partner with Devon County Council to establish a world-class outdoor education and training centre for the people of Devon.

“This initiative will make a major contribution to the continued development and regeneration of the Exeter Canal Basin and will ensure that the area becomes a thriving hub for outdoor adventurous activities.

“This new partnership facility will enable us to offer an innovative approach to education and training, with provision that will encompass the individual needs of a wide range of students, including those who are currently disengaged from education through to professionals undertaking training and development in leadership and management.

“It will build on the continued success of the Sport, Leisure, Tourism and Public Services programmes at the College and it will enable the partnership to offer an outstanding learning environment in this exciting and growing sector to the wide range of learners across Devon.”

Alan Williamson from the Exeter Canal and Quay Trust said: “We fully support this exciting proposal.

“It will be a significant factor in helping to continue the regeneration of the area.

“We will be looking to make a significant contribution to the project subject to the approval of the Charity Commissioners.”