HALF a dozen empty units in a Poole shopping centre could be converted to provide an adult education facility.

BCP Council has submitted proposals to its planning department to use the space on the first floor of the Dolphin Centre for up to 10 years initially.

If approved, the skills and learning community education facility would offer a range of training, including art, hair and beauty, massage and IT courses.

Employment ability courses, vocational qualifications, professional development would all be on offer across four classrooms, with two specialist art rooms.

While permission is not required for the planned internal alterations, the local authority requires consent for the temporary change of use in the first instance.

A design and access statement submitted on behalf of the council by Pure Town Planning says: "The consent is sought for a period up to 10 years, so in the event that due to unforeseen circumstances, the proposed facility ceases or needs to be reduced in size, then the former retail uses could recommence without the need of another change of use application.

"The existing skills and learning centre is currently located at Wimborne Road in Oakdale, running from an old school building, which will fully relocate once the new facility hereby proposed is available."

The statement says the proposal will not undermine retailers in the Dolphin Centre but will provide "other alternative provision to customers of all demographics".

Cllr Nicola Greene, BCP Council portfolio holder for skills, said the local authority is "excited" about the range of courses the new facility could be bring.

The facility in the heart of Poole could be up and running by the autumn, Cllr Greene said.

"We will be providing a wide range of courses, such as hairdressing and beauty therapy, including employability and vocational skills, English, maths and digital courses, along with an inspiring arts and well-being programme," she said.

“Our passion is to encourage people with the greatest barriers to learning and work back into learning with our help and support. We know that new skills and qualifications improve their chances and our LivingWell programme has proven to significantly enhance our learner’s mental health, well-being and quality of life.

“We hope to energise this part of the town centre with our learning offer and work together with other town centre businesses to progress our learners into jobs or work placements. Skills and Learning staff look forward to welcoming both existing and new learners through our doors and online this autumn.”

For more information on the range of adult learning opportunities on offer, visit skillsandlearningace.com.