New leisure centre and bus station expected to open this summer
Published: 28 January 2021
Excellent progress continues to be made on the construction of Exeter’s state-of-the-art new leisure complex and a new Exeter Bus Station.
Councillors were this week given an update on the progress of works at the bus station site in the city centre.
They were told that despite all the difficulties of working through the Covid-19 pandemic, both the leisure centre and new bus station are expected to open to the public this summer.
Council Leader Phil Bialyk said: “Construction is going well and we are on course to have both the new bus station and leisure centre open in the summer.
“These new facilities are much needed in Exeter and I can’t wait to get them open.
“I am delighted that we been able to deliver this project at a time when, because of Covid and what’s happened with the economy, so many projects planned by others have had to cease.
“We’ve been able to carry on, and the project has had a huge impact on the local economy, it terms of the supply chain and income it has generated locally. The whole city will see the benefit, and I am so pleased to say that they are getting ever nearer to completion.”
The new leisure complex, called St Sidwell’s Point, will replace the aging Pyramids and will be the first in the country built to the highly energy efficient Passivhaus standard.
St Sidwell’s Point will be the first leisure centre in the UK built to the super energy efficient Passivhaus standard, which is expected to eventually save up to 70 per cent on annual energy costs.
Due to ultra-filtration, the pools will have exceptional water quality with minimal chemical content, which will greatly improve the experience for swimmers compared to a standard pool.
The landmark building is a grand design. It has been modelled to withstand predicted changes in climate conditions up to 2080.
It will feature:
- A main swimming pool and learners pool with moveable floors
- A confidence water pool
- A spectator seated area
- A café to seat 50
- A fitness gym and two fitness studios
- A health suite and spa facility
- A children’s soft play area
* To keep up to date with all of latest news and developments, and find out more about our great membership offer, visit our website: https://exeter.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/sport-and-leisure/our-leisure-centres/.