A developer has scrapped plans to replace a soon-to-be-demolished glass footbridge in Exeter city centre, writes local democracy reporter Guy Henderson.
The original scheme for nearly 400 co-living apartments on the derelict Harlequin shopping centre included a new version of the 1980s stained glass bridge across Paul Street. Now Guernsey-based Curlew Alternatives Property has asked Exeter City Council for permission to make changes, including omitting the new pedestrian bridge.
The council and the developer have agreed the bridge is no longer required. The developer had already removed affordable housing from the plan, which was approved in 2022, and instead will pay the council at least £2m for housing elsewhere. The council says that money could be spent on homes for social rent.
The two buildings, six and seven storeys tall, were originally intended to house 383 co-living studio apartments. The complex would include shared kitchens, co-working spaces, a gym, a cinema and a games zone, according to the planning application. A hotel originally planned for the site was axed in late 2021 and replaced with additional living units.
The new revisions will introduce more escape routes and reduce the number of bedrooms from 383 to 361. The changes reflect laws that have changed since the site was first approved.
In its application, Curlew says: "The changes proposed are the minimum necessary to enable delivery of this important regeneration scheme in line with legislative requirements which have changed since the approval of the original application."
Exeter Co-Living Developer Scraps Footbridge Replacement