The £6million transformation of an outdated Exeter leisure centre has moved a step closer.
The city council has applied to its own planning department for permission to go ahead with the project which was agreed by councillors back in March.
Its application is for the refurbishment of the existing Wonford Sports Centre and Community and Learning Centre, including the demolition of the existing gym, Phoenix Centre and outdoor changing rooms.
The next stage will be the construction of a new hub and football changing facilities. A new ‘hub’ will accommodate a cafe area, changing facilities, studio and gym.
When the full city council discussed the project in March, Cllr Tony Wardle (Lab, Priory) told colleagues: “Something needs to be done. Without significant investment the building would have to close, and I don’t think anyone in the city wants that to happen.
“It’s a 1980s building that looks like an institution. The talking about it has been going on for years and the community has waited long enough.
“Let’s get on with it.”
The centre is hugely popular with its local community, with online reviewers praising staff for being exceptionally friendly, helpful and welcoming to beginners, especially during group activities such as pickleball.
Some active members say they have consistently used the gym and football pitches for decades, and locals say they value the cost-effective access which prevents them having to pay premium private gym rates.
The project will be partly paid for by developers building homes around the city who are required to hand over cash to improve facilities in the areas around their sites.
Sport England is also prepared to chip in to create the new ‘hub’ for Wonford, which has some of the poorest health figures in the city and lowest levels of physical activity.
Councillors have been told that the project must be completed by summer 2028 to qualify for the funding.
“It is transformational,” the council’s director for place Ian Collinson told members. “It’s about people, it’s about community, it’s about activity, sport and wellbeing.”
The planning application is likely to be decided by the end of the year.
Lloyds cheque deposit service returns to Post Offices across Devon
Devon holiday park eyes expanded opening dates
Man sentenced for assault in Ottery St Mary town centre
Exeter City Community Trust secures major grant to tackle homelessness
Know Your Numbers! Week marks successful one year anniversary of library blood pressure monitor loan scheme
University of Exeter welcomes first students to Joint Education Institute in China
Surveys mark next step for proposed Boniface Trail
Learn Devon launches its latest free adult education courses
‘Show some bottle’ call over Exeter water stations
Police appeal for information about wanted Dawlish man
‘Iconic’ Exeter city centre bridge won’t be replaced
The Royal Devon’s 2025 Adult Inpatient survey results consistent with national average, praise for respectful and compassionate care
Overnight closures planned on the A380 between Eagle Farm and Splatford Split
Backing for legal challenge to government’s council shake-up
More than 100 homes could be planted in vital green wedge
Banking giants ‘turning their backs’ on rural Devon
