East Devon District Council (EDDC) has unveiled £60m plans to revitalise Exmouth’s leisure and tourism industry by transforming the town centre.

The proposals have been put forward for public consultation and include plans for a new leisure centre and swimming pool, restaurants and a bowling centre and a waterside centre.

Plans also include the construction of an Exe wildlife and world heritage Coast Interpretation Centre which would be located on the Exe estuary.

The framework for development follows a social and economic study by the University of Exeter which concluded that while Exmouth had enjoyed a significant growth of population, it has suffered a decline in economic viability and now has a reduced role as a resort.

EDDC believes that, by providing facilities and employment to the local population, it will encourage tourists and day-trippers to visit the town.

At the centre of the council’s plans is the aim to reduce the impact of out-of-town shopping which causes a significant amount of potential spending to leak out from Exmouth.

The council hopes to tackle the issue by clearing the way for a new 75,000sq ft supermarket and retail complex on the estuary car park which would link the leisure attractions and provide an anchor to the development.

The public has been encouraged to comment on the plans and voice their opinions as a detailed planning application is not scheduled before June 2005.

Sara Randall Johnson, leader of the EDDC, said: “Over the coming weeks and months, it will be up to the people and businesses in Exmouth to decide whether they want to grasp this opportunity.

“We hope very much that the answer will be a resounding yes.”

The outcome of the detailed planning application – if submitted as planned during summer 2005 – is expected to be known by December 2005. Construction is likely to take around two years with the earliest date of completion date scheduled for 2008.