THE £2million indoor activity centre on Bournemouth Pier has attracted more than 24,000 paying visitors since it opened.

The Rock Reef centre was officially opened in May last year, replacing the historic pier theatre, which had been the site’s main attraction since opening in 1960.

As well as the world’s first pier-to-beach zip wire, which was launched in September, it also boasts climbing walls, an aerial obstacle course, 65 metres of pier caves, a vertical drop slide and a ‘leap of faith’ jumping challenge.

Speaking at January’s full council meeting, cabinet member for tourism and leisure Cllr Lawrence Williams said the centre was a “great example of working in partnership with the private sector”.

“Both the pier toll and Key West have seen an improvement in revenue which is forecast to continue on an upward trend for 2015 and achieve optimum usage in 2016,” he added.

“To date Rock Reef has seen 24,000 paid tickets with the total number of visitors being well in excess of this as schools and youth groups have been given free introductory trials.

“Indeed I know that a number of young people in my own ward have found it a wonderful experience.

“There is currently a really high level of investment on the seafront with the Oceanarium’s penguin house, the new Durley Chine cafe, and the new Pier Approach scheme which will all help contribute to this council’s aspiration of a world class resort.”