Exeter praised by judges after European City of the Year shortlisting

Published: 7 March 2024

Exeter has transformed into a thriving modern place with strong emphasis on education, culture and commerce, according to a leading organisation which promotes the urban environment.

The Urbanism Awards 2023, organised by the Academy of Urbanism, saw Exeter shortlisted for European City of the Year, alongside Amersfoort in the Netherlands and Estepona in Spain.

The title was eventually awarded to Amersfoort, but in a new report the judges were full of praise for Exeter.

Co-Lead Assessor Tony Duggan, said: “Exeter and its citizens have a strong identity, sense of purpose, and direction for their future.

“The city has transformed in recent decades into a thriving modern place with strong emphasis on education, culture, and commerce – cementing its attraction in terms of liveability, intellect, and social value.

“Its uniquely strong relationship with its physical natural setting and its good connectivity have been major influences on Exeter’s success, and it is continuing to invest in ways to build upon this and nurture its social value and capital.”

The report says good management, a great sense of collaboration between city, county and key stakeholders have been instrumental in the city’s reemergence over the past 20 years, with the right measures being taken to boost confidence in the city.

It says the whole city centre has benefited from an urban renewal and public realm programme that has reinvented the city as an attractive place to live and visit.

The report highlights that Exeter has a uniquely strong relationship with its physical natural setting, its citizens have a strong identity, sense of purpose, and direction for their future, as is “one of the most attractive cities in terms of liveability, intellect, and social value”.

It adds:

• In recent decades Exeter has transformed into a thriving modern city with strong emphasis on education, culture, and commerce
• Exeter is very committed to tackling climate change
• Exeter is a city that genuinely cares about its historic identity, culture and above all its people
• Over the past two decades it has established a resilient confidence about its future

Council Leader Cllr Phil Bialyk welcomed the report’s findings.

He said: “We may have missed out on being crowned European City of the Year, but this report shows how others view Exeter - as a great place to be and with a great quality of life.

“It’s something that everyone who lives here already knows of course. But to have the strengths of the city highlighted in this way, especially the way in which Exeter has been transformed in recent times, was fantastic to read.”

Chief Executive Bindu Arjoon added: “We enjoyed hosting the team from the Academy of Urbanism during their visit to the city, and their report on Exeter made very good reading, with its emphasis on the city’s commitment to education, culture, and commerce.

“The recognition that Exeter is a city that genuinely cares about its historic identity, culture and above all its people, is something that we can all be very proud of.”