Exeter's new leisure complex under construction

St Sidwell’s Point is the UK’s first super energy efficient and passivhous leisure complex

New aerial pictures show that construction of Exeter’s new state-of-the-art swimming pool is well under way.

St Sidwell’s Point – the UK’s first super energy efficient and passivhous leisure complex – is being built at the Exeter Bus Station site.

A brand new bus station with modern facilities is also under construction, with bus council funded projects due to open in the spring of 2021.

The £52m scheme – split between the £8m for the bus station and £44m for the new leisure centre – and will also help to kickstart a £300million multi-purpose scheme with houses, shops, hotels and a performance venue.

Councillors next week are being recommended that the progress to date on bringing forward the Citypoint site be noted and the City Surveyor be authorised, in consultation with the Leader and the Chief Executive, to negotiate and enter into a joint ownership and land promotion agreement

with the other main land owners on the site.

But the main swimming pool at the St Sidwell’s Point is starting to emerge at the St Sidwell’s Point site and the pool boxes are being formed by the ground workers as they work away from the Heavitree end of the site.

During September and October the main pool box will be completed, and the splash pool and learner pool will be formed.

As they are completed, ‘backfilling’ will start using the recycled soil stored on site which can be seen in the picture.

The logistics of the site will then change and allow works to begin on the upper level ‘dry-side’ facilities, with a gym, spa, health suite, and café all part of the proposals.

The water quality is 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.

Work has also started to create the new Exeter Bus Station, which will include covered waiting and boarding areas and high quality facilities. It will replace the current station which opened in 1964.

The initial groundworks are under way on the existing bus station apron, with concrete being removed as well as the retaining wall.

This work will continue during September, with the final archaeological investigation taking place near to Cheeke Street.

The piling rig returns in October, to start the foundation piles under the new bus station.

Once complete and open in early 2021, the state-of-the-art leisure complex will include:

• 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

The Leisure Complex and Bus Station Programme Board met in private on Wednesday night to discuss the findings from the exploration into the potential provision of a Long Distance Coaches Waiting Room.