The Christian Youth Enterprises (CYE) Sailing Centre in Chichester Harbour is hoping to create 50 beds, a dining room and space for indoor
activities on the barge.

A green-energy heating system will also be installed.

Gavin Jones, development manager of the project, said: "It's a big project and we looked at a number of options for the new youth centre including building a site on land. But we didn't want to upset the community.

"We've been at the ex-minesweeper for a number of years and it is part of the character of the centre and part of the experience.

"The ship floats at high tide and children enjoy being in the cabin. In the end it was a low-cost option."

The barge will replace the current youth centre vessel, a converted
ex-minesweeper, and is due to be ready in the harbour in 2010.

Mr Jones is responsible for all the fundraising and is working with project manager David Edward.

CYE took over the ex-Navy minesweeper Gerald Daniel in 1985 and has since used it as a youth centre.

Schools can organise trips to the vessel, take part in various indoor
activities and go out to sea for some water sports.

A green-energy heating system is to be installed on the new barge, which uses the ground to provide heat.

Mr Jones added: "The reason we chose a green-energy heater is because it
produces four or five times more power than an electric heater. We looked at gas heaters but there were numerous dangers and requirements."

CYE is working with green-energy installation firm Gec-Co consulting to heat the vessel. The heating system is supplied by leading green-energy
products manufacturer Stiebel Eltron.

Gec-Co spokesman Malcolm McClennan said: "The heat pump will absorb energy from the ground to heat the vessel and provide hot water.

"It will use no oil or gas and will slash CO2 emissions by an estimated 60 per cent, with a running cost reduction of 60 to 70 per cent."



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