Top chef backs Exeter leisure complex
The new St Sidwell’s Point leisure complex will smarten up the area and bring huge benefits to local people and vistors, one of Britain’s top chefs has declared.
Internationally acclaimed chef, Michael Caines MBE, has leant his support to the state-of-the-art scheme in the heart of Exeter.
“St Sidwell’s Point is a hugely exciting development for Exeter,” he said.
Michael, Chef Patron of the soon-to-open Lympstone Manor Hotel and holder of two Michelin stars for the past 18 years, added: “Right there in the very heart of our city, on a site that was bombed in the war, then became an outdated and unsightly bus station, a modern, state-of-the-art leisure facility is being created that will benefit everyone who lives in the city and surrounds.”
St Sidwell’s Point will be Britain’s first Passivhaus leisure centre, built to exacting standards, it will deliver up to 70% savings on energy use compared to similar sized leisure developments. The complex will include a competition standard eight-lane 25-metre pool, a 20-metre teaching and recreation pool and a confidence pool for young children.
Caines, currently developing the new Lympstone Manor country house hotel, said: “I’m very excited to see this development progress, to tidy up this central part of the city centre, and to create something special for everyone for the 21st century.”
Cllr Phil Bialyk, Lead Councillor for Sport and Health and Wellbeing, said: “ It’s great to have someone like Michael a proud son of Exeter, back a project that we believe will do much to help the city’s future prosperity. We agree that St Sidwell’s Point, part of the planned St Sidwell’s Quarter, will be a great thing for Exeter. With its Passivhaus construction we believe the leisure centre will set a benchmark for sustainability that the rest of the country will want to follow.”
St Sidwell’s Point, named after Exeter’s local saint, will also include a crèche, soft play area, 150-station gym and luxury spa. It’s due for completion in 2019.
A new video on the project is available to view at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E1uHozP0o4
