Work underway to demolish former Exeter Bus Station

Published: 6 February 2024

Work is underway at the former Exeter bus station which will see the current post-war buildings demolished and removed by local contractor Wring Group, based at Sowton Industrial Estate.

Over the next few months asbestos will be carefully removed from the site in Bampfylde Street, the current buildings and structures will be knocked down and the site made secure.

Temporary uses for the space are being considered once demolition is complete. In the longer term the area is expected to be redeveloped with new buildings and uses.

The former bus station, which was replaced by a brand new facility in July 2021, has been a well-known Exeter landmark for 60 years.

Exeter City Council Leader Phil Bialyk said he welcomes the demolition of the former station.

He said: “It has taken us longer than originally planned to get to this stage. Although we had a budget in place it has proved challenging to secure contractors in the current climate.

“So I am delighted that work is now finally underway, and people will see a lot of activity on site in the coming weeks.

“We are continuing to examine how best to use the site in the short term ahead of the longer-term redevelopment of the area.”

Cllr Bialyk said he spent many years working at the old station while working as a bus driver in Exeter.

He said: “I have good memories of this place - I worked here, as did my father and my good friend, Pete Edwards. I have a lot of good memories of the old bus station, but it has had its day and it is definitely time for it to go.

“The Council replaced the former station with a modern and much-improved facility alongside our fantastic leisure centre St Sidwell’s Point.

“The old building has now become a real eyesore and has attracted some antisocial behaviour, so I am really pleased that work is now underway to demolish it.”

The former station opened on 5 July 1964, replacing an earlier bus station on Paul Street, which became a car park.