A NEW tenant has been chosen by Borough of Poole, ensuring activities at Hamworthy Outdoor Education Centre will continue.

After the retirement of the centre principal last October, officers have been trying to secure the future of the outdoor education centre in Hamworthy Park.

The council has now announced that Harbour Challenge OEC Ltd has taken on a 25-year lease for the site and will be delivering activities from March 1.

“I’m delighted that a local provider could be secured to continue providing outdoor education from this site to residents and the local community,” said council leader Cllr Elaine Atkinson. We are keen to work with Harbour Challenge to ensure the provision of activities can continue and grow to enable more people to have access to the wonderful facilities and services they have at their door."

Harbour Challenge has grown out of an opportunity to give people of all ages and abilities the chance to take part in outdoor activities at low cost.

It began at Turlin Moor in 1996 and until now the registered charity has been based on Brownsea Island providing activities including sailing, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, climbing, abseiling, hiking, bush craft and much more.

President and founder Chad Edwards said: “This provides a great opportunity for Harbour Challenge to provide many outdoor activities to residents of Poole at reasonable rates and to fulfil our charitable aims.”

The council aims to work with Harbour Challenge to improve the site and ensure a safe and friendly environment can be created for those taking part in activities.

Vegetation will be cleared in the boat compound and Harbour Challenge will be erecting new fencing and gates to ensure safe storage of equipment. An opening weekend is due to be held and for more information on courses go online to harbourchallenge.org.uk