THE former Visitor Information Centre on Minehead seafront which has lain empty for several years is now taking shape as The Adventure Centre run by Channel Adventure.

After 18 months of negotiation and work to overcome legal hurdles, a nine-year lease has been agreed with owners West Somerset Council.

“WSC officers and councillors have been fantastic throughout this difficult process”, said Jim Whittaker, managing director of Channel Group.

“There is a real passion in the town for the development of our seafront and we’re absolutely delighted to be able to contribute by redeveloping a building which has been unused for so long to make an exciting offer to the community and to visitors.

"Support from Corinne Matthews, Karen Mills, Nicki Maclean and Mandy Chilcott has been invaluable, as has the work of Rachel Mulcaire and Tim Child in dealing with the complex lease arrangements and getting us in the building. We’d like to thank everyone very much for their support.”

The new Adventure Centre offers a range of activities to include kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, open water swimming, power kiting and beach games.

It is also an office base for Channel Adventure, Channel Training and Channel Events. Operations manager Dan Brice said: “Bringing all our work under one roof means that we can offer a better service to our customers while reducing travel time and use of vehicles.

"We’re really excited about being able to offer more high quality outdoor activities right here in Minehead.

"Our kids club Grom Squad and our adults club Sunset Sessions are for the local community and can grow further from the new centre.

"In addition, our programme of ‘Give It a Go’ sessions means anyone can try an exciting new activity easily and safely”.

Channel is creating new jobs and says it will focus on the local community to fill those positions.

“We train our own staff to a high standard and currently have four apprentices, two new instructors and several casual staff working to prepare for the season”, said operations director Darren Sherwood.

“It’s important to us that we have a team that loves the area and wants to share that with others.

"Being able to offer apprenticeships means we can provide a great route into an exciting industry for local young people.

"Some stay with us after their apprenticeship as full time staff and some take instructor roles with other companies – we’re really proud of how valuable they are.”

The Adventure Centre opens for business on Monday, May 29 with a free Open Day. Visitors can try a range of watersports in the morning from 9am and land-based activities from 1pm.

Details are on the Channel Adventure Facebook page or call the office on 01643 708715.