Outdoor education centre Haven Banks officially 'handed over' to Council

The multi-million outdoor education centre, Haven Banks in Exeter has officially been handed over to Devon County Council.

The Council's leader, John Hart was formally handed the keys after a final site visit and tour of the facility.

The £5.6 million centre was funded by proceeds from the sale of Exeter airport and was the biggest single sum allocated from the sale. It replaced the old, outdated activity centre located on the canal basin.

Devon County Council funded the building and, in a pioneering partnership, it will be run by Exeter College on a day-to-day basis.

One of its highlights is the 20 metre climbing and abseiling tower. It also 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, a free-fall Powerfan facility and first aid at Haven Banks and locations around Devon.

John Hart said: "I am very pleased to accept the keys for what is a first class resource for the region and an important centre for education and training.

"We were able to make a significant investment thanks to the IiD programme and I am sure this facility will be very well used, not only providing an outstanding learning environment but also a lot of enjoyment and fun for the users.

"I wish our partners Exeter College the very best for the future and look forward to seeing the centre thrive."

Local member for Alphington and Cowick , Cllr Roy Hill said:  “ I’m delighted this first class facility is opening in the heart of Exeter and that so many young people across the county will be able to participate in the activities on offer."

Centre manager Ben Hedden said: "We moved into the old site in 1989 and before that we were in a pair of old sheds. In all that time there's not many people who've come through Exeter who haven't used Haven Banks.

"As part of the new building we now have classrooms which Exeter College is going to use to teach a foundation course in outdoor adventure. It involves training instructors in a whole range of activities from climbing, raft building and hiking. We'll be working closely with Exeter College and Haven Banks will continue to develop and operate as before."