Work progressing on city's new leisure complex

Published: 16 May 2019

Work is continuing to progress in the city centre to create the UK’s first super energy efficient leisure complex.

St Sidwell's Point is being built at the Exeter Bus Station site. A brand new bus station with modern facilities will also be built.

The current bus station will remain open throughout the two year redevelopment programme.

Since activity started on site in January, works have involved the main site footprint and progression of the substructure of the building.

The first phase of piling works involving the installation of concrete piles to support the new structure and take the weight down to the existing bedrock below ground have been completed.

Work is continuing on the reinforced pile caps and ground beams which form the base on which the main building structure will be built.

The contractor’s long term site cabins and offices are now on site.

The main tower crane will be installed at the end of May.

The contractor will now begin constructing the pool box slabs and the retaining wall between the wet side accommodation and dry side accommodation.

The drainage below the slabs will be installed as well as insulation, prior to pouring concrete for the slabs and retaining structure.

St Sidwell’s Point is expected to open in around two years.

The state-of-the-art facility will feature:

• A main swimming pool and learners pool with moveable floors
• A confidence water pool
• A 100 seat spectator seated area
• A café to seat 50
• A 150 station fitness gym and two fitness studios
• A health suite and spa facility
• A children’s soft play area

Building St Sidwell’s Point in this way will help it to become one of the world’s most energy efficient leisure centres.

The water quality at St Sidwell’s Point is also expected to be better than at any other pool in the country.

A special filtration system will mean there will be minimal chemical content, which will greatly enhance the experience for users.

The new Exeter Bus Station will include covered waiting and boarding areas and high quality facilities, and will replace the current station which was opened in 1964.

Both developments are being funded by the City Council.