A DEVELOPMENT manager is about to be appointed for a flagship project which could make West Somerset a UK leader in the centralisation of community services. New Horizons, a lifelong centre linking learning, leisure, health, culture and business development, has taken a significant step towards becoming a reality following the publication of a business plan setting out a timetable to success. The proposed scheme on land at the rear of the West Somerset Community College in Alcombe has been in the pipeline for almost 18 months, steered by a ten-member partnership which includes the college, Somerset Coast Primary Care Trust, Business Link Somerset, Exmoor National Park Authority and West Somerset District Council. Now a detailed 90-page business plan drawn up by consultants has revealed that construction of the centre could begin in October 2006 and that it could be up and running by June 2008. The previously estimated cost of the development has risen from £8 million to just under £15m. But partnership chairman Nick Swann, who is also the college principal, said the new figure included an inflation uplift to 2007 construction costs, cash for contingencies and VAT, which could hopefully be claimed back. It would provide a "Rolls Royce" of a centre which could be scaled down if necessary. "We now have the design of the building, which has allowed us to be far more precise about the cost," said Mr Swann. "This is an ambitious project but there are big funders out there prepared to support innovative schemes like ours and we have had expressions of interest from potential funders." The partnership believes it could secure an initial capital investment of £10.2m, with the hope of achieving the full target. The centre would cost an estimated £811,000 a year to run but that figure would include dedicated sums for repairs, renewals and maintenance to ensure it did not become a costly white elephant, and would be set against an identified annual income so far of just under £700,000. It would include a swimming pool - to replace the existing Aquasplash - a spa and hydrotherapy suite, business workshops, a range of sports facilities and services for adult education and vocational training, healthy lifestyles and physiotherapy, the arts, schools development and children. Although based in Minehead, it would serve the whole of West Somerset, working through a 'hub and spoke' concept and outreach services. The partnership's decision to appoint a development manager is seen as an exciting step and essential if the project is to move forward. The successful candidate will be responsible for steering the scheme through the planning approval process, project managing the site operation, the fitting out of the new building, the transition of services to the centre and the recruitment of core staff. The post is expected to be funded largely from European grants. Mr Swann said the latest report demonstrated that the New Horizons centre would help address health issues, improve participation and standards of learning, increase participation in sports and leisure activities and significantly improve facilities and services across the whole range of project activities. "The most significant feature of this project for me is that it is being developed by the community," said Mr Swann. "The public response has been overwhelmingly supportive and there is growing excitement to see this most innovative initiative reach a successful conclusion." Mr Swann said the partnership had been working closely with a number of regional and national bodies who were keen to see this kind of "joined up" approach. "This is a marvellous opportunity to provide something very special for our community. "With continuing high levels of support we intend to do everything possible to turn our shared vision into reality."