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East of Exeter growth area
Project summary
The East of Exeter Growth Area is the main business and housing
growth area for Exeter over the next 20 years, and is expected to
see the building of 28,000 new homes by 2026 and to contribute
significantly to the creation of about 28,500 jobs in the Exeter
Travel to Work Area within the same timescale.
Not only is this important for Exeter but it represents a key
area for economic growth at a regional level and an opportunity to
create one of the South West’s largest low carbon developments.
The RDA has invested significantly (approx £45 million) in a
number of strategic priorities designed to maximise the potential
for economic growth in this area and to expedite the delivery of
key infrastructure and early major projects, several of which would
have otherwise been delayed due to the recession.
Main messages
The East of Exeter Growth Area is the main business and housing
growth area for Exeter over the next 20 years.
The RDA has played a key strategic role, working with its
partners, in identifying the opportunities for growth in this area,
and in providing the capacity needed to co-ordinate and develop a
master plan.
RDA investments in individual projects and through the Regional
Infrastructure (RIF) are playing a pivotal role in creating
jobs, supporting the expansion plans of regionally important
companies and kick-starting development which would otherwise have
been delayed by recession.
Facts and figures
- The East of Exeter Growth Area is expected to see the building
of 28,000 new homes by 2026 and to contribute significantly to the
creation of about 28,500 jobs in the Exeter Travel to Work Area
within the same timescale.
- Exeter is identified as a priority place for investment because
it has an economy which is of significance beyond its
administrative boundaries and offers the opportunity to influence
and accommodate sub-regional growth. In 2006 the RDA invested
£600,000 to set up the East of Exeter Delivery Team, in partnership
with the local authorities (Devon County Council, Exeter City
Council, East Devon District Council) providing the additional
capacity needed to oversee and co-ordinate the master planning and
development of this important area.
- In 2008 the RDA agreed to invest £19 million to create a new
Science Park for Exeter. The investment included the purchase of
land needed for major improvements to Junction 29 of the M5 needed
to unlock the full potential of the Growth Area. Work on site at
the Science Park is expected to start in 2010.
- The Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) is playing a key role in
opening up land and transport links for development. In 2009 the
RDA announced a £12 million investment through the RIF to
kick-start the recession-delayed Cranbrook development. This
development will also now be a low carbon development as the result
of leverage gained from RIF investment.
- This investment brought to £22 million the total investment in
the East of Exeter area through the RIF. This will pay for a
package of infrastructure projects – including motorway junction
improvements, new roads and a new railway station.
- The RIF combined RIF package will allow for the initial
development of 2,900 homes at Cranbrook and the release of 75
hectares of land to support businesses. This will help create up to
4,500 jobs and enable key projects to proceed including the Skypark
business park and Exeter Science Park.
- An announcement in September 2009 confirmed funding for Flybe’s
£24 million Training Academy, to be based at Exeter Airport, which
supports the expansion plans of a key employer and creates jobs.
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) gave its approval for a £4.2
million grant for the new facility and this in turn unlocked a
commitment of £2.8 million previously agreed by the South West
RDA.
Conclusion
The Exeter Growth Point is a regionally important area for
economic growth.
Its potential has been recognised and nurtured through the
strategic leadership of the RDA, working with its partners, the
Homes and Communities Agency, Devon County Council, Exeter City
Council and East Devon District Council.
Focused investments by the RDA are bringing forward development
earlier than would have been possible due to the recession and will
also ensure that these developments are low carbon.
Further information
Date case study written: February 2010.
Contact: South West RDA press office by email news.enquiries@southwestrda.org.uk or
telephone 01392 229389
Other case
studies are available in our Resources section.