THE ARCHITECT of Exmouth s seafront bowling centre believes the entertainment and leisure complex will be a fantastic asset for the town once it has opened. John Staszewski, of Graphite Architects, said one of the most appealing features of the centre, be

THE ARCHITECT of Exmouth's seafront bowling centre believes the entertainment and leisure complex will be a fantastic asset for the town once it has opened.

John Staszewski, of Graphite Architects, said one of the most appealing features of the centre, being built on the site of the town's demolished former swimming pool, was the views overlooking the sea.

And - with a bar area, a range of children's activities and function rooms to be used for special functions including weddings - it is a view echoed by a number of people.

It is hoped the complex will be open to the public at the end of the year.

Peter Farmer, 63, of Byron Way, Exmouth, felt the centre would help improve the economy by attracting more people to that part of the town.

He added: "I don't think there is much down there to do anymore in the way of activities.

"I think it's a terrific project because you see boy-racers all the time with nothing better to do, racing along the seafront. They would absolutely love going bowling on evenings."

Chris Long, 20, of St Andrews Road, said: "It will bring more money to the town and should provide jobs. I'm sure it will be a good all-round thing."

Architect Mr Staszewski said the complex would contain an upper and lower-floor restaurant, children's play area, and function rooms with views across the beach which could be used for weddings or parties.

The centre will also include a lounge area for families and a climbing wall for teenagers and adults.

"The large function room caters for more than 300 people. Collectively, with all the (function) rooms combined, we can cater for 900 people.

"It has wonderful views of the Esplanade - an idyllic, picturesque setting for people to have parties.

"Hopefully the opening of the centre will act as a launch-pad for further development in this part of the town.

"We are looking forward to it being completed and people coming down to enjoy the facilities."

Mark Piper, site manager for Michael Thorne Construction, the centre's building contractors, said the complex would be very pleasing on the eye.

"It will have natural stone and clad with western red cedar which will blend in with the aesthetics of the trees and nature around the building," he explained.