Investing in the city centre is a key part of Exeter’s recovery plan

Published: 19 February 2021

The Council’s major investment in creating a new leisure centre and bus station in the city centre is a key part of the city’s economic recovery from Covid-19.

Council Leader Phil Bialyk said funding St Sidwell’s Point and the new Exeter Bus Station was the biggest public sector investment in the city centre in a generation.

He said St Sidwell’s Point will bring large numbers of people into the city centre when it opens this summer, and would kick start wider regeneration plans for the area.

Cllr Bialyk said: “The Council has made a large investment in this crucial redevelopment, and it’s an example of the public sector supporting the local economy.

“It is so important to the city centre. Retail is changing and we are helping to anchor the city centre with a new bus station and a new leisure centre, both of which will be opened in the summer.

“This was a part of the city that was quite dilapidated and not well used, and it is being transformed. This investment has already had a big impact on the local economy, for all the small businesses who have been part of the supply chain for the leisure centre and the bus station.”

Cllr Bialyk said the city remains well placed to recovery strongly from the effects of the pandemic.

He said: "The strength of Exeter is the community and how we all work together for a common aim, which is to bring forward success to the city.

“We remain a thriving city in the UK, we are an innovative city with green growth here in Exeter, and that’s what we are focussing on in the years to come. To have a city centre which is new and dynamic is exactly what we need.”

St Sidwell’s Point will be the UK’s first super energy efficient Passivhaus swimming pool and leisure complex.

The water quality is expected to be better than at any other swimming pool in the country. A special filtration system will mean there will be minimal chemical content.

It will include:

• A main swimming pool and learner’s pool with moveable floors
• A confidence pool
• A 100 seat spectator seated area
• A rooftop café 
• A fitness gym and two fitness studios
• A health suite and spa facility
• A children’s soft play area

The city's Recovery Plan, Building Exeter Back Batter, is available to read on our website 

For more about the Council’s leisure services and memberships visit www.exeter.gov.uk/leisure