A £1.5 MILLION hospitality and tourism centre could be

coming to Bideford as part of the North Devon College's

redevelopment.

A vocational centre in Bideford is planned as part of the

£100 million proposal for a new college.

One of the ideas put forward for the vocational centre,

includes a restaurant dedicated to local produce, a beauty and

holistic therapy centre, a tourism training outlet and other

training facilities.

Although no decisions have been made by the college, there

is already talk of it going to Brunswick Wharf — a site

earmarked for development by the Bideford Regeneration

Initiative.

The centre would hope to “drive up aspiration, income

profitability and salaries in the hospitality and tourism

sector”.

A document about the centre, produced by the college, was

shown to the leadership team at Torridge District Council.

It states: “The college wishes to create, in a high profile

setting, an exemplar facility which challenges what is possible

and then works with people and businesses to make it a

reality.

“For example, the centre will have a high quality innovative

restaurant facing the river and using local produce.

“While being a training facility it will 'up the stakes' in

terms of dining out in Bideford and Torridge — challenging

existing business to respond or new restaurants to start

up.

“In turn the centre will train and develop local people in

high level skills, resulting in them being paid higher salaries

by increasing profitable businesses with higher turnovers.”

The vocational centre could also work with hotels to provide

practical training and give people a range of qualifications

through to degrees.

It would have links to other training providers in the area,

such as Bideford College and Torridge Training Services.

Work-based learning opportunities may be available in

management, reception, housekeeping, bar work, finance,

marketing and culinary arts.

The document adds: “There will also be a comprehensive range

of learning for fun and pleasure and, of course, a great place

for a day out.”

A college spokesman said: “North Devon College is

considering opportunities in providing a skills centre for the

communities of Bideford and Torridge. However, at this stage no

decisions have been made on the facility.”

The college believes it could become a centre of aspiration

in the hospitality and tourism industry and become “a green and

sustainable statement about learning in Bideford and

Torridge”.

Although Torridge District Council is yet to discuss the

idea, it said it would be looking into this as part of the

overall regeneration of Bideford.