Spotlight on Exeter at major national investment and regeneration event

Exeter will be showcased as a great location with a thriving economy at a major real estate Expo.

The Exeter Showcase event will be delivered on 22 May at 11.15am, as part of the Great South West delegation within a dedicated Pavilion at the UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds.  

Council Leader Phil Bialyk said the event was a perfect opportunity to highlight the strengths of the city to a national audience.  

He said: “We all know Exeter is a fantastic location with a great quality of life, and this event will allow us to demonstrate why we are one of the UK’s fastest-growing cities.  

“The city will continue to expand in a sustainable way in the years ahead and there is a wealth of opportunities for people to share in the success that we continue to enjoy. Exeter is driving economic growth for the South West and we are all working to ensure that continues.”  

The event will be a chance for city leaders to highlight the opportunities to take an active part in continuing the city’s success in:  

• World class research in climate science  

• Providing space and a community for high-tech businesses to grow  

• Building 12,000 new homes  

The Exeter team comprises:  

• Ian Collinson, Director of Place, Exeter City Council  

• Stuart Brocklehurst, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Business Engagement and Innovation, and Director of Green Futures Solutions, Exeter University  

• Sally Basker Chief Executive Officer, Exeter Science Park  

City Council Chief Executive Bindu Arjoon said the event was an opportunity to highlight the strengths of the city which make it such an attractive location to invest in.  

She said: “Exeter is a beautiful and historic city, with access to wonderful countryside and coast. People from all over the UK are choosing to make their lives here. 

“As a flourishing city, Exeter is well placed to accelerate growth in the South West and the UK.   

“Exeter is the place to do business and with thriving industries developing key knowledge and health economy sectors, the city brings resilience to the UK and strengthens the region against economic shocks.” 

Exeter is a connected and accessible city, with a regional airport, strategically located on the M5, A38 and A30, and only two hours from London by train.  

Exeter is home to some of the world's best education including The University of Exeter, a leading Russell Group university, and the Ofsted Outstanding Exeter College, anchoring the educational offer of Exeter and the South West.  

At the Exeter Science Park, the South West’s centre of activity for businesses in STEMM, there is space and a community for high-tech businesses to grow.  

Liveable Exeter, the council’ s transformational regeneration programme, will see the building of 12,000 high quality homes in the city, creating sustainable new neighbourhoods whilst protecting green spaces and valley parks.  

Sites include:  

Water Lane - one of the flagship regeneration areas, a large amount of former industrial land, located on the waterside close to Exeter Canal and valley park, will be transformed into a high-density waterside neighbourhood, including at least 2,000 homes and a vibrant mix of uses.   

East Gate - the site is being allocated in the new local plan and will continue the renewal of this part of the city centre. Alongside providing 600 high-quality homes, this site will provide employment, sustainable travel improvements and connections to a district heating network.  

Exeter is the beating heart of Devon and the City Council is also investing heavily to transform Exeter’s retail, leisure and cultural offer, so it remains attractive for residents and visitors and resilient into the future.   

In 2022 the Council-funded state-of-the-art Passivhaus swimming pool and leisure centre St Sidwell’s Point opened in the heart of the city centre.  

Exeter is a UNESCO City of Literature and home to important cultural attractions including the world class museum and art gallery RAMM.    

Exeter is serious about taking action to tackle climate change and the Council continues to lead on an ambitious programme to successfully decarbonise its operations.