Exeter City Council has formally completed the sale of the former Clifton Hill leisure centre site in Exeter. The new owner focuses on developing affordable housing for seniors. The council reached this conclusion four years after first closing the leisure center amid the pandemic in 2018. They went on to demolish the building in 2022. That two-acre site is changing rapidly! It has been replaced with a new sustainable development including 41 homes, a café and meeting rooms – and even a weekly doctors’ surgery.
The site eventually sold for just over £2 million. Yet, according to numerous news reports, this price is far below its actual market value. Councillor Duncan Wood made the announcement about the agreement to sell the property at a bargain price. Such a move would respect the council’s pledge not to build on student accommodation, listening to the worries of local communities.
The development of the Clifton Hill site meets Exeter’s pressing need for affordable housing. It particularly seeks to help senior residents who require appropriate housing arrangements. The development of colorful common spaces such as a café and conference rooms supports the atmosphere envisioned by artists’ commune housing. It’s expected to increase civic engagement and provide residents with basic services they need. The inclusion of the doctors surgery is especially impressive, responding to the need for more accessible healthcare provision for a growing elderly demographic.
Saskatoon City Councillor Duncan Wood wanted this decision to be made with the greatest possible input from residents.
“It is important that we listened to local communities, heard their reservations and acted accordingly.” – Councillor Duncan Wood
Exeter City Living (ECL), the Council’s wholly owned property arm, had purchased the site for just over £2 million. Later on, they had to repurchase it from Exeter City Council for a little under £3 million. After the repurchase, the site was once again re-listed for sale in August, resulting in its current sale agreement. Phil Bialyk, another council member, admitted that they could have gotten a better sale price. The council decided to keep their commitment in the face of student protests and a strong demand for affordable housing.
“We could get £3.8m, or even more, if we broke our promise not to build student accommodation.” – Phil Bialyk
