A VACANT high street premises has been leased to an education centre.

Explore Learning has taken the ground-floor retail unit at 60-62 Shirley High Street, formerly occupied by VIP Lounge.

The centre provides a drop-off educational scheme which will allow children aged between five and 14 years old to be taught while parents go shopping.

Explore Learning hase taken a 15 year lease on the property and have undertaken extensive fit out works in conjunction with the landlord, say Goadsby Commercial, who handled the deal.

Amy Baker of Goadsby said: ‘We were delighted to complete this letting to Explore Learning who were attracted to the well situated retail unit, which was also ideal for them due to close proximity of a public car park. No doubt Explore Learning will provide a beneficial service to parents/carers within the region who are looking for extra tuition for their children. It will also bring a potential new group of shoppers to the retail units, eateries and coffee shops on Shirley High Street.”

Georgi Oliver, Centre Director at Explore Learning Southampton says: “We are so excited to bring Explore Learning to the local community! The fantastic thing about Explore Learning is it’s open to children with varying levels of ability and each member has their very own curriculum based on their individual needs. We have an amazing team that are incredibly passionate about what they do, we can't wait to meet local families.”

As well as English and maths tuition every day of the week, the centre will be launching specialist courses in creative writing, succeed in secondary and 11 Plus preparation course. It will also host free workshops with local libraries, schools and community groups – particularly around the annual competitions, the Explore Learning Writers’ Awards and the Explore Learning Mathematicians’ Awards.