Cash pledge for Exeter Haven Banks centre
DEVON County Council has confirmed it will put £2.7m towards a state-of-the-art outdoor education centre in Haven Banks — just days after the head of Exeter City Council questioned the authority’s commitment to the city.
The county council said it would set aside the money from funds released by the sale of Exeter International Airport.
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Cash has been agreed for an outdoor adventure centre at Haven Banks
The total cost of the Haven Banks project is around £5.7m, and the council is now looking to secure the additional funding from various sources, including trusts and partners.
The centre will offer purpose-built water sports facilities, corporate training and a climbing wall.
Devon County Council leader John Hart said: “This will be a centre of excellence both regionally and nationally.
“We are strongly committed to supporting the economy, not just in Exeter, but across the rest of the county.
“This new world-class centre will provide a valuable facility for all young people across the county, but particularly vulnerable youngsters and those who might not normally be able to use this kind of facility.”
Last week Philip Bostock, the chief executive of Exeter City Council, suggested the county council had pulled out of spending in the city because of the ongoing row about unitary status.
He accused the county council of making “empty promises” about the centre.
The lease is expected to be signed in the next few weeks.
An Exeter City Council spokesman said: “We welcome the announcement that this is going ahead. It is clearly good news for Exeter.”
7 Comments
by Anon, Exeter
Thursday, February 25 2010, 10:00PM
“As a secondary school teacher I was fully consulted and I believe there were a number of consultation meetings with schools, colleges, youth groups and other professional outdoor educators.
I believe from the consultations, the Centre will continue to provide a professional, though non commercial service, as it has done for the past 30+ years.
This facility is more than overdue and the Centre and staff can be congratulated in delivering a 1st class service from a facility such as that they have at present.
I am sure the Centre will continue to work closely with existing and future users, as well as other outdoor education providers to ensure outdoor education in Devon continues to thrive.”
by Paula Warke, Buckfastleigh
Thursday, February 25 2010, 12:18PM
“As a Devon adventure sports business owner, I would hope the council will take a pragmatic approach to supporting the outdoors, and not forcing a commercial venture on a publicly funded facility that could have detrimental impacts to the many outdoor providers already successfully operating in the region. The centre should be available to everyone, and offer an options for area schools that is a beneficial addition to the already thriving outdoor education market. I would hope that the council undertakes extensive consultation with schools and outdoor education providers in the area to ensure the new development meets the existing needs in the sector.”
by Centre Supporter, Exeter
Wednesday, February 24 2010, 5:09PM
“Great news, perhaps Exeter City Coucil will now show their commitment to working for Exeter and in partnership with Devon County Council by funding the remainder of the required funds!”
by Jim, Exeter
Wednesday, February 24 2010, 5:04PM
“In your opinion Luke!
Activities possess a wealth of benefits, be it for adults, children and young people of all ages and abilities.
These activities positively engage people and are enrichment to their everyday lives and curiculum.
You yourself are obviously unaware of these benefits, perhaps you should book on a course!
This said we still need to be aware of the required standards for every service, whether DCC or ECC. these standards are set to deminish should unitary status for Exeter be agreed. ECC simply doesn't have the funds, or even demonstrate their financial security should they take overall responsibility for the City.”
by BECKY BERRYMAN, CASTLE CARY SOMERSET
Wednesday, February 24 2010, 12:45PM
“Marvelous
i shall be visiting my niece in the summer and it will be good to get out on the river again.”
by Anon, Exeter
Wednesday, February 24 2010, 12:20PM
“And your opinion counts for what Luke?”
by Luke, Exeter
Wednesday, February 24 2010, 9:56AM
“How about Devon CC concentrates on the dire roads first and get all of these Potholes fixed! Slightly more important than river activities in my opinion”