Finishing touches at St Sidwell’s Point ahead of long-awaited opening
Published: 31 January 2022
New images reveal Exeter’s iconic new leisure centre St Sidwell’s Point as the finishing touches are put in place ahead of opening in the spring.
St Sidwell’s Point is the UK’s first leisure centre built to the super energy efficient Passivhaus standard.
The unique facility in the heart of the city centre has been funded by the City Council and constructed by Kier.
It features an eight-lane, 25m main pool and four-lane, 20m learner pool, both with moveable floors making learning to swim accessible to all who visit.
St Sidwell’s Point, which is next to the new bus station, also features a 100 station gym, fitness studios and luxury spa facilities.
Councillors took part in a tour of the building to view progress on Monday morning.
Council Leader Phil Bialyk said: “I think people will be amazed when they see the quality of this building. Looking at it today, it looks absolutely fantastic.
“It’s not long to go now - the leisure centre will be open in the spring and I can assure everyone that it will be well worth the wait.
“We said we wanted to create the best for the people of Exeter, and that is exactly what we have done.”
Cllr Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Physical Activity, said: “It is great to see such good progress and this incredible building nearing completion. St Sidwell’s Point will be a major addition to our leisure facilities in Exeter and I really can’t wait to see it open in the spring.”
Anthony Irving, managing director of Kier Construction Western & Wales, said: “St Sidwell’s Point is a leisure centre like no other and working collaboratively with Exeter City Council, our local supply chain partners and consultants the first-class facilities are very nearly ready for the local community to enjoy.
“St Sidwell’s Point is the UK’s first Passivhaus leisure centre which results in an ultra-low energy efficient building providing optimal comfort for users and reduced running costs.
“The local community has supported us throughout this project, and we are proud to have provided over 684 training weeks for those looking to join the construction industry as well as working with local companies to deliver this truly unique building.”
Due a special filtration process the pools will have exceptional water quality with minimal chemical content, which will greatly improve the experience for swimmers compared to a standard pool.
There’s also a confidence pool and seating for 100 spectators.
The gym will have around 100 stations, a designated free weights area plus group exercise zones – including an indoor cycling studio and two fitness studios.
St Sidwell’s Point will feature premium spa facilities including a hydro-bath, foot spa and hot beds, plus a salt vapour room, private bar and relaxation area, private roof terrace and a state-of-the-art sauna.
The spa will have a manicure room, pedicure room plus four treatment rooms.
The gym will feature incredible views across Exeter.
The two fitness studios swill allow people to choose from a range of virtual and live group exercise classes, including indoor cycling.
The new leisure centre will be run in-house by the Council’s Exeter Leisure team, which took over the running of the Council’s leisure centres in September 2020.
For details on becoming an Exeter Leisure member visit the website
