Exeter's 'most deprived area' to get new leisure hub

'This is a fantastic opportunity'

A plan to build a new community hub in an underprivileged area of Exeter has been given unanimous backing by city councillors.

Wonford is said to be the "most deprived ward" in the city and has some of the highest areas of physical inactivity and poorest health outcomes.

Now its ‘less than welcoming’ run-down leisure centre is to be replaced with a new complex packed with community facilities.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for an area of our city that needs some real love, care and attention,” said Cllr Zoe Hughes (Ind, Pennsylvania).

Members of the city council planning committee were united in supporting the proposal, even though the money to pay for it has yet to be found.

The new centre off Burnthouse Lane will be a 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 and construction of a new hub and football changing facilities.

The hub will accommodate a cafe, changing facilities, studio and gym.

Cllr Marina Asvachin (Lab, Priory) addressed the committee in her capacity as chair of trustees for the existing centre. “I understand just how important it is for the residents it serves,” she said. “I have been told multiple times that it is literally a life-saver, but the building has seen better days.”

And, she added, finding the funding to carry out the project would be at the top of her wish-list.

However, councillors said the proposal didn't have enough accessible parking spaces, and called for police concerns over anti-social behaviour around the centre to be included in a list of conditions attached to any planning permission.

Police said the centre had seen high levels of crime and anti-social behaviour in recent years, and officers recommended better CCTV, square drainpipes to deter climbing and measures to discourage graffiti, among other measures.