Opening date revealed for Exeter’s new Passivhaus leisure centre
Published: 23 March 2022
Exeter’s state-of-the-art new leisure centre St Sidwell’s Point will open to the public on Friday 29 April at 10am.
The finishing touches are now being completed at the super energy efficient building in the city centre.
The announcement of an opening date comes as residents, community groups and businesses took their first look around the striking new facility at a series of private viewings this week.
Council Leader Phil Bialyk said: “It is fantastic news that we are now able to reveal the opening date of Friday April 29.
“It has been a long time coming but I can assure everyone that the wait will be worth it. I want to thank everyone involved for all of their hard work in getting us to this point.
“It has been great to invite people in to see the building for the first time this week, and their response has been amazing. It really is an outstanding facility that will serve the residents of the city for decades to come. I really cannot wait for it to open.”
The centre’s normal opening hours have also been revealed. St Sidwell’s Point will be open from 6.30am until 10pm on Monday to Friday, and from 8am until 8pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Hundreds of people have been given the opportunity view the new leisure centre over three nights this week as it prepares to open.
Cllr Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Physical Activity, said he was delighted that residents would soon be using St Sidwell’s Point seven days a week.
He said: “I am so pleased that we are able to reveal the opening date and it will be fantastic to get the doors open and see how residents react to this incredible building and its amazing facilities.
“During our preview nights this week the reaction has been just brilliant. People are amazed to see the quality and can’t wait for it to open. The good news is that it is now only a few weeks away, and I couldn’t be more pleased.”
St Sidwell’s Point has already been shortlisted for a major industry award – even before opening. It has just been shortlisted in the Prestigious Construction News Awards in the Project of the Year category. The winner will be revealed during a ceremony in May.
St Sidwell’s Point is the UK’s first Passivhaus leisure centre, meaning it has been built and designed to use up to 70 per cent less energy than a conventional pool and leisure centre.
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. It also features a 100 station gym, fitness studios and luxury spa facilities.
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.
St Sidwell's Point was built by Kier. Anthony Irving, managing director of Kier Construction Western & Wales, said: “The vision to deliver the UK’s first Passivhaus leisure centre was a bold move by Exeter City Council and this this project will leave a legacy that goes far and wide.
"It has touched the hearts of everyone who has been involved, from the early days of conception, to delivering on site and to the Exeter City Council operational team who will be providing the exceptional new services, and of course the local residents who will be able to enjoy these standout facilities."
Memberships for Exeter Leisure are available now from £25pm via the Exeter Leisure app or online by visiting Exeter Leisure Choices or the Exeter Leisure Website
