St Sidwell's Point Leisure Centre

Networking breakfast and Site Visit – St Sidwell’s Point Exeter

Constructing Excellence SW

Passivhaus News

https://www.passivhaustrust.org.uk/news/detail/?nId=824

The much-anticipated St Sidwell’s Point has finally started on site. The flagship in Exeter City Council’s regenerating city centre masterplan is a pioneering Passivhaus Leisure Centre – aiming for certification and set to become a world first.

Architect: Gale and Snowden

Proposed render of St Sidwell's Point

The bespoke commercial Passivhaus is expected to open to the public in the winter of 2021, forming part of a £300m city centre vision from the council, which will also see housing, offices, restaurants, and retail, as well as the possibility of a new multi-use entertainment venue.

Due to their high heating demands and substantial running costs, swimming pools often constitute a financial burden to municipalities. St Sidwell’s Point will replace an existing ageing swimming pool, deemed difficult & costly to upgrade to modern standards. The new development is expected to attract at least 500,000 visits a year, and will be built alongside a new bus station, which is due to open at the same time.

General massing of the new leisure centre is divided into two programmatic entities: wet and dry. The complex will feature an eight-lane national/county standard swimming pool and four-lane pool for learners, both with moveable floors and supporting facilities together with dry sports facilities including a150 station gym, café and crèche, and extensive health and spa amenities.

Patron member Exeter City Council & PHT member Gale & Snowden have delivered several Passivhaus multi-unit housing schemes – however, this is the first commercial Passivhaus development they are embarking upon together. Building on this experience, the benefits