Striking timber roof beams craned into position at St Sidwell’s Point

Published: 28 July 2020

A major milestone in the construction of Exeter’s new super energy efficient leisure complex has been reached with the installation of the building’s stunning wooden roof structure.

The roof structure incorporates a 33 metre-long timber glulam beam, which was slowly lowered into place by a huge crane.

Leisure centre users will be get a great view of the roof structure and impressive beams which will be a dominant feature in the rapidly emerging new facility.

Council Leader Phil Bialyk said he was delighted with the latest landmark in the pioneering development, which is due to open next year.

He said: “This is another landmark moment in the project and I am delighted to see this striking roof being installed – it will be a striking feature for people using the new facility next year.

“Everyone can see the progress being made with the new leisure centre and new bus station. These new facilities will be a major asset to Exeter and I can’t wait for people to start using them next year.”

Doug Lloyd, Area Director from main contractor Kier, said: “The entire project team has worked extremely hard to get to this significant milestone. The completion of the roof will now allow the team to focus on completing the external facades of the building and to progress the internal areas.”

Image courtesy of Apex Scaffolding 

A glulam beam is a type of engineered timber product comprising of a number of layers of dimensioned timber bonded together with durable, moisture-resistant adhesives.

By laminating a number of smaller pieces of timber, a single large, strong, structural member is manufactured from smaller pieces. These structural members are used as vertical columns or horizontal beams, as well as curved, arched shapes.

Glulam beams optimise the use of a renewable resource – wood. They provide the strength and versatility of a large wood structure without relying on the old growth-dependent solid-sawn timbers.

St Sidwell’s Point, which will be one the world’s most energy efficient leisure centres, is being build alongside a brand new bus station.

Both developments are being funded by Exeter City Council and are scheduled to open in 2021.

St Sidwell’s Point will replace the aging Pyramids swimming pool.

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.

Built to healthy building and super energy efficient Passivhaus standards, the state-of-the-art St Sidwell's Point will include:

• Main swimming pool and learner pool with moveable floors
• Confidence pool for young children
• Spectator seated area
• Café
• Health suite, spin studio and two fitness studios
• Gym
• Spa facility
• Children’s soft play area

The new Exeter Bus Station will include covered waiting and boarding areas and high quality facilities, and will replace the current station which dates back to 1964.