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
CLIMATE & ENVIRONMENT
£12 million Trew’s Weir reconstruction recast as £2 million repair
Exeter quay and canal water levels and electricity supply to thousands of city centre residents and businesses depend on survival of deteriorating weir with estimated 1-5 year lifespan.
PLANNING & PLACE
Harlequins “co-living” redevelopment site for sale as student accommodation prospect despite Labour manifesto pledge
Exeter shopping centre to become car park until developer decides to “mobilise” after council covers £1.2 million demolition costs and continues to stall on bona fide co-living policy six years after adoption proposed.
, updated
COMMUNITY & SOCIETY
Wonford hub plans scaled back as lease termination, business plan and governance risks remain unresolved
Labour councillors insist protracted project still on course after repeated delays expose funding dependence on time-limited £2 million Sport England grant.
TRANSPORT & MOBILITY
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.
ECONOMY & ENTERPRISE
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.
PLANNING & PLACE
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.