A consortium led by Exeter Civic Society is promoting a new vision for public realm in North Street in response to the ultra-high density “co-living” redevelopment of the adjacent Mary Arches car parks approved by Exeter City Council just before the May local elections.
The vision for the street, which links the historic Iron Bridge with Exeter High Street, is the result of a nine-month collaboration between Exeter Civic Society, InExeter, the city’s business improvement district, and local architectural practice Citizen Architects.
A series of stakeholder workshops have developed ideas focussed on improving road layout by rationalising what the society describes as “an abundance of loading bays” and providing new street amenities including pavement-widening, tree-planting and the introduction of seating areas.
Exeter North Street improvement vision principles diagram. Source: Exeter Civic Society.
Exeter City Council’s urban design and Devon County Council highways officers have both indicated local authority support for the proposals, which are intended to optimise the use of space for non-vehicular traffic and increase visitor footfall and dwell-time to support local businesses.
The proposals also aim to reinstate the street’s lost historic identity and increase night-time safety by improving street lighting and reducing anti-social behaviour.
Exeter Civic Society has published an interim report which captures the contributions of city centre businesses, residents and councillors, community organisations, designers, planners and transport specialists to the development of the new vision for North Street so far.
It is also holding an open day from 10am-4pm on Saturday 13 June 2026 at the Devon Ukranian Association’s North Street premises at which the findings from its latest stakeholder consultation will be presented and attendees invited to comment on and vote for their preferred proposal options.
