HEADLINES
West Park redevelopment demolitions to proceed to enable intrusive unexploded ordnance surveys before works can begin
Five year-old University of Exeter plans to provide 2,000 new student bedspaces in blocks up to nine storeys tall by demolishing up to 30 buildings on fifteen acre Streatham campus site about to take seismic step towards delivery. Read more.
HMICFRS identifies sufficient Devon & Cornwall Police improvements to return force to routine monitoring
Inspectorate decision follows nearly three years of enhanced monitoring after force found inadequate in three of nine areas and requiring improvement in two more, but says “still work to do” in crime recording standards and investigations management. Read more.
ON OUR RADAR
Summer at the Quayside // Exeter Quay
A month of free family activities including weaving, felting, doodling and drumming. More details.
Theatre in the Park // Rougemont Gardens
Exeter Phoenix hosts an al fresco summer theatre season featuring Shakespeare, spoken-word poetry, puppetry and physical comedy. More details.
Quayside Farmers’ Market // Piazza Terracina
Monthly market offering local produce, hand-made goods, plants, cakes and more. More details.
Exeter Street Arts Festival 2025 // Exeter city centre
The annual festival returns with street art, drumming, dance, workshops, walkabouts and live music. More details.
Exeter Contemporary Open 2025 // Phoenix Gallery
Annual exhibition featuring fifteen contemporary visual artists from across the UK. More details.
Heritage Open Days 2025 // Exeter city centre & elsewhere
Annual festival returns with free talks, tours and exhibitions at heritage sites in and around Exeter. More details.
BELOW THE FOLD
Proposed Mary Arches “co-living” blocks condemned as “slums of the future”
Eutopia Homes seeks full planning permission for 300-bed seven storey development at quadruple recommended local plan density without providing promised “research-based evidence for the need for co-living” on city centre car parks site. Read more.
Devon & Cornwall Police deputy chief constable Jim Colwell receives 18-month misconduct warning
Outcome of Independent Office for Police Conduct investigation delivered day before retirement of suspended chief constable Will Kerr announced, with Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez unwilling to say whether “golden handshake” agreed. Read more.
Newtown active travel scheme approved after four years of public consultations
Joint Devon County Council and Exeter City Council project includes road closure, car parking changes and contraflow Clifton Hill cycle lane. Read more.
