A new centre offering training courses in footwear design opened on Tuesday.

The Bronx Creative and Design Centre (BDC), located at the Natural Cool Lifestyle Hub at Tai Seng Avenue, will train about 200 to 300 aspiring footwear designers and technicians each year.

The 11,000 sq ft centre will offer a range of different courses - catering to the novice as well as industry professionals - covering topics such as the shoemaking process, and how to make footwear prototypes.

Bronx, a homegrown sneaker company, will collaborate with education group Raffles Education Corporation to develop the centre's cirriculum.

"Today, it is very difficult to find a pair of shoes that you love, find very comfortable and yet, at not so high a price," said Mr Leow Hai Keun, vice president of industry development at BDC.

"There is therefore a huge opportunity for shoe makers and traders in this aspect. More foot-friendly features with elegance, but not with the high price."