Martin Redfern

Martin Redfern is Exeter Observer’s editor and a director of its publisher Exeter Observer Limited.

He writes many of our news stories and features, leads on investigations and maintains the Exeter Observer website.

Martin holds a masters degree in Journalism with distinction at Birkbeck, University of London.

He is an accredited UK press card holder and a member of the Chartered Institute of Journalists and the Society of Editors.

Stories by Martin Redfern

Exeter Ship Canal swing and bascule bridges in open position

A379 bridges replacement plan set to wreck Exeter Ship Canal, heritage harbour and towpath active travel aspirations

Department for Transport project cost cap defeats purpose of investment as Devon County Council consults on design which will build in routine traffic disruption for 60+ years on route intended to deliver strategic road network resilience.

Exeter City Centre Strategy July 2024 stakeholder workshops flyer

Exeter city centre strategy evasions and expediencies echo cultural strategy failings

Just 85 invitation-only workshop attendees consulted during development of yet another city council strategy without a delivery plan.

Whipton Gardens phase one flats

First phase capital cost of legacy Exeter City Living Whipton Gardens project to exceed £12.5 million – £364,000 per flat

Financing for second phase yet to be found as adjacent Rennes House demolition costs rise to £1 million and Exeter City Living reports year-end loss in residual Guildhall flats management role.

Exeter Cultural Strategy 2026-31 baseline report image

Clueless Exeter cultural strategy fails to address challenges facing city’s “increasingly untenable” creative sector

Survey inviting feedback on city council word salad arrives two years late, following second UK City of Culture bid failure, with delivery plan outsourced to secretive, unelected sub-committee.

, updated

Exeter Corn Exchange

Exeter City Council criticised for submitting AI-generated planning application text

Heritage statement in support of covering crumbling concrete Exeter Corn Exchange windows with advertising hoardings included content from 2013 article about Bourne Corn Exchange 195 miles away in Lincolnshire.

Exeter North Street improvement vision principles diagram

Exeter Civic Society promotes new vision for North Street in response to Mary Arches “co-living” redevelopment

Proposals for improved road layout and public realm including pavement-widening, tree-planting and seating areas follow nine-month collaboration with local stakeholders.

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