Councillors back plans for redevelopment of Exeter bus station

Mary Youlden
Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted Thursday, October 6, 2016 - 6:03pm

Plans for the multi-million pound redevelopment of Exeter bus station have been approved by councillors.

At a special meeting on Wednesday evening members of Exeter City Council’s planning committee backed applications to create a state-of-the art new leisure complex and a new bus station at the site.

Both schemes are being funded by the city council. Work is expected to begin next spring and the new developments are expected to open in the winter of 2018.

Speaking after the meeting Cllr Phil Bialyk, lead councillor for the redevelopment, welcomed the completion of the planning process and said he looked forward to the start of work on site next year.

He said: “I am delighted that members have backed these applications and we can begin to think about the start of work on site next year.

“There is still a lot of work to do, but we are a step closer to creating these exciting developments, which will be a major asset to Exeter city centre.”

The leisure complex, called St Sidwell’s Point, features an eight lane main pool and four lane pool for learners, both with moveable floors.

There is also a confidence pool, 150 station gym, soft play area, café and crèche as well as extensive health and spa facilities.

Due to ultra-filtration, the pools will have exceptional water quality with minimal chemical content.

It will be the UK’s first leisure centre built to super-efficient low energy Passivhaus standards, saving around 70 per cent on annual fuel costs.

St Sidwell’s Point will be build next to the brand new Exeter bus station. The station will have 12 bays - the same number currently used - and much improved facilities for passengers.

Further development is also planned elsewhere on the bus station site.

Outline planning permission has been granted to the Crown Estate for Princesshay Leisure, a mix of new shops, a cinema, restaurants, cafes and public open space.

Share this