At a special meeting today (Thursday 20 August) Cabinet unanimously approved the selection of Brockenhurst College to take over the Hengistbury Head Outdoor Education Centre from 1 September 2009.

From the centre, Brockenhurst College will initially offer students and then the public (from Easter 2010) water sports including sailing, kayaking, canoeing and windsurfing, and other outdoor activities such as field studies, rock climbing and safety and rescue training.

This will be an expansion of the water sports courses already offered at the college including Canadian Canoeing, Day Skipper Certificate (RYA), Kayaking, Yachtmaster and navigation courses, and will provide them with a waterfront site.

The College will invest £100,000 to undertake repairs and maintenance to the building following the grant of a 25 year lease.

Councillor John Beesley, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “We are thrilled to have found such an experienced provider to take over the running of the centre. Brockenhurst College was selected because they have an excellent range of activities to offer to students and the public, a realistic level of investment and they have produced a plan for the centre which is likely to be sustainable in the long term. They also have a great deal of experience in running an existing outdoor education centre.”

Di Roberts, Principal of Brockenhurst College, said: “The College welcomes this tremendous opportunity to provide outdoor education and recreation for the community in Bournemouth, Christchurch and the surrounding area.  This vibrant centre will support the development and education of young people and play a role in family and business life in the locality whilst protecting the unique environment of Hengistbury Head.  We will work very closely with relevant groups in the locality and with Bournemouth Borough Council to respond to local needs.”

As part of the agreement, Brockenhurst College will work closely with the local community and will set up a consultative committee to discuss plans, courses, equipment and other ideas for the centre. A place on this committee will be offered to members representing the education and youth service, local school users, voluntary clubs using the centre, the community interest group and Leisure Services, in addition to a local councillor.

Questions & Answers

Why was Brockenhurst College chosen over the other bidders?
Brockenhurst College scored highest against the selection criteria during the evaluation process. It will offer an excellent water sports and outdoor education service for the public, it has the finances available to undertake the repairs and maintenance needed on the site and it has a successful track record for its existing outdoor education courses run from its other sites.

What was the selection criteria?
The four bids were evaluated on a number of factors, including the financial offer and financial standing of the applicant, level of investment, quality of provision, community benefit, type of facilities and activities provided, previous experience, affordability, customer involvement and satisfaction and the long term viability and sustainability of the bid.

We also needed to ensure proposals for the site were appropriate for its location within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Who selected the preferred bidder?
Brockenhurst College was selected as the preferred bidder by a Selection Panel made up of Councillors:
Cllr Michael Filer (Chair), Ward Councillor for East Cliff & Springbourne
Cllr John Beesley, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources
Cllr Rod Cooper, Ward Councillor for Wallisdown & Winton West
Cllr Malcolm Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services

They were advised by Council Officers:
Jane Portman, Executive Director for Children’s and Families Services
Chris Saunders, Seafront/Business Development Manager
Ann Hinton, Estates Manager, Property Services
Joanna Ireland, Assistant Employee Relations Manager

When will Brockenhurst College takeover the centre?
Brockenhurst College will take over the responsibility for the centre from 1 September 2009, under a licence agreement.

The target date for completion of the lease is November 2009 when the college will commence running its outdoor education courses from the site.

Water sports activities for the public will commence in April 2010.

Will the centre be open to the general public? If so, when?
Yes. The facility will be open to all age groups of the community from April 2010.

What will Brockenhurst College offer to the public?
The centre will offer water sports including sailing,  kayaking, canoeing and windsurfing, and other outdoor activities such as field studies, rock climbing and safety and rescue training. Brockenhurst College aims to enhance the current water sports provision offered at the site.

What will Brockenhurst College offer students?
The College will base its Outdoor Education Department at the centre offering a range of daytime courses including specialist water sports and training of aspiring instructors for the Outdoor Activities industry.

Will water sports at Hengistbury Head end on 31 August 2009?
No. There will be a break in activities to enable Brockenhurst College to take over the centre from 1 September 2009. This will enable them to start the repair and maintenance work needed on the site, to begin its outdoor education courses and to prepare for recommencement of water sports on the site from April 2010.

Will Bournemouth schools still be able to use the centre?
Yes. Brockenhurst College will facilitate continued access to the site for local educational requirements, community groups, clubs and schools.

Will the college offer activities for those with disabilities and special needs?
Yes. As an educational institution the college is committed to providing services for all sectors of the community, including those with disabilities and special needs.

Will the prices remain the same?
Yes. The existing centre prices will be fixed at 2008/09 levels for two years, with increases then made in line with the retail price index. Discounted rates will be offered to schools, community and youth groups.

Will Brockenhurst College be paying rent for the building?
Although there will be an initial three year rent-free period, rent will be payable from year four.

How many watersports courses are being cancelled between September 2009 and April 2010?
No watersport activity bookings have been made after 31 August 2009.

How can the public make bookings?
Full booking information will be made available when the programme for April 2010 is launched.  In the meantime, individuals or groups are welcome to contact the College on enquiries@brock.ac.uk