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Friday, August 01, 2008, 09:30
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.
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