Exeter’s wellbeing hub plans move forward

Plans to create a new community and wellbeing hub in Wonford have been approved by Exeter City Council’s planning committee, marking a major step forward for the project.

The scheme, developed following extensive community engagement, aims to transform existing facilities into a modern, inclusive space that encourages people to be healthy, happy, and active every day.

Connected to Ludwell Valley Park, the hub is designed to support the wellbeing of residents and provide a venue for community and sports events.

The plans include a refurbishment of the current Wonford Sports Centre and Community and Learning Centre. The proposals also involve demolishing the existing gym, Phoenix Centre, and outdoor changing rooms to make way for a new hub and FA-standard changing facilities.

The new hub will feature:

- A café area

- Changing facilities

- A studio and gym

Cllr Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor for Leisure Services and Healthy Living, welcomed the decision.

“This project will deliver major benefits to the community in Wonford and I am so pleased that planning permission has now been granted,” he said.

“We have made it clear that funding still needs to be secured in order to deliver this much-needed facility. But I’m hopeful that securing planning permission will assist in this process and may also help to speed up delivery.”

He added: “We have worked very closely with the community in Wonford on this plan to create an amazing space for people to enjoy social, wellbeing and physical activities, and I am delighted that a significant milestone has now been reached.”

The Live and Move programme, funded by Sport England, has played a key role in shaping the community-led vision for the hub. Engagement with local residents highlighted the need for a facility that:

- Brings the community together and improves overall health and wellbeing.

- Opens outward to the community, replacing the current unwelcoming building design.

- Connects the facility to Wonford Playing Fields, Ludwell Valley Park, and the Green Circle walking route.

With unanimous approval from the planning committee, the project now moves to the next stage - but securing funding will be crucial to making the vision a reality.