Fistral is one of the UK's top surfing beaches

It should also generate an estimated �450,000 a year for Newquay and create 25 jobs.

The Fistral centre is part of a new private-public partnership whereby Britannic Industries runs the facilities on the council-owned beach.

Restormel District Council leader, John Weller, stressed that the partnership would not compromise the council.

'Investing in quality'

"We are not giving up control or ownership of the beach in any way or form, or the access," he said.

"It is about investing and bringing up the quality of beaches in the UK."

Work on the centre is due to begin before Christmas.

When completed, it will be used by the British Surfing Association, lifeguards, community groups, training organisations and other beach users.

A separate scheme to build a new offshore reef to generate better surfing waves off Newquay will be a further boost to the resort.