A £300m vision to redevelop a site in the centre of Exeter in a move that could bring new housing, office space, restaurants and shops to the city, as well as a new multi-use entertainment venue, has been unveiled by the city council.
The revamped Exeter Bus Station would sit alongside the planned Passivhaus leisure complex St Sidwell’s Point. Both projects are being funded by Exeter City Council.
The masterplan for the bus station includes 250 housing units for sale at the current Civic Centre site, as well as 250 build to rent dwellings.
It also includes a ten-storey, four-star hotel with 175 rooms, almost 40,000 sq ft of retail space on Sidwell Street, a new 'Office Quarter' rising to eight storeys, space for the relocated Civic Centre and 15,000 sq ft of food and drink outlets.
Public realm would be enhanced and Paris Street could be pedestrianised. There is also potential for a new multi-use entertainment venue with a 2,500 standing capacity.
The vision will be discussed by the council's Leisure Complex and Bus Station Programme Board next week.
The authority's chief executive and growth director Karime Hassan said: "The development concept provides a mix of uses that will complement the high street, supporting both the daytime and night time economy, and responds to the demand for housing and offices within the city centre.
"This is a major and vital investment in a key site, adding almost a million square feet of additional development. Everyone knows the difficulties retail is facing. We need to ensure Exeter city centre is viable, sustainable and continues to thrive, and this investment is crucial for the city."
A report for councillors reveals the previously approved budget to build the leisure complex and new bus station will need to increase. They will be asked to approve an initial budget of £11.88m.
In addition to the £39.92m already approved by the council, it could bring the total budget for the scheme to £51.8m.
Council leader Pete Edwards added: "Redeveloping this site has been a key priority for years and I am delighted that we are now in a position to move forward with a scheme that serves the needs of everyone who lives, works and visits the city – it includes leisure, health and fitness, much-needed housing, office space, restaurants and retail. These plans are very exciting for Exeter, and the new facilities are long overdue."
Earlier this year the council announced Kier has been appointed as the preferred contractor to build the new bus station and leisure complex after a competitive tender process.
If councillors back the recommendations, it is hoped that final contracts for the main build programme will be signed in December.