Exeter College awarded £60,000 by GWR to create an Exeter St David's Gateway

Exeter College, working in partnership with Devon County Council, has been awarded £60,000 by train operator Great Western Railway (GWR) to create a much improved pedestrian gateway to Exeter from St Davids station. 

Under the plans, the route along St Clements Lane, one of the most high profile pedestrian entranceways into the city for rail users, will be greatly enhanced with improved signage, better surfacing and lighting.

Train operator GWR has announced that the bid for funding from its Customer and Communities Improvement Fund (CCIF), designed to help boost local communities, has been successful.

Steve Campion, Exeter College Vice-Principal, said: “Exeter College is really excited to be leading this project, on such an important gateway between the station and the city centre.

“Working with Devon County Council and the local community, the capital funding will allow us to improve surfacing, lighting, and signage on the St Clements Lane pedestrian route.

“This will provide significant benefits to residents, students who use the rail network, and the many visitors to Exeter who travel via St Davids Station.

“The project award fits nicely alongside the current Exeter College property masterplan, with the intention of investing £70m in our city centre facilities over the next 20 years. We are grateful to GWR and Devon County Council in their support for the project.”

GWR Regional Development Manager for the West, Matt Barnes, said: “GWR is delighted to provide our Customer & Communities Improvement Fund to help enhance the St Clements Lane walking route between Exeter St Davids station and the city centre.

“Making it easier to get to and from the station is a vital part of the overall journey. We’re keen to support this valuable project to improve access for our customers, and create a great impression for visitors to Exeter.” 

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “This is a great opportunity to be able to improve an important pedestrian route to and from Exeter’s mainline station.

“The project will create an enhanced gateway to the city, improving accessibility and encouraging students and commuters to use the rail network, while also helping visitors to explore the city centre on foot.”

Supported by the Department for Transport, the Customer and Communities Improvement Fund (CCIF) was established to recognise and back projects identified by the communities where GWR operates, with projects requiring local authority match funding.