Bulldozers
are set to move into the Princesshay area of Exeter for the start
of the £135 million redevelopment of the city centre.
Major demolition work is to begin in February 2005, with existing
business having been relocated.
The development by developer Land Securities will transform Princesshay
and create shops, restaurants and new homes.
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| The
development will feature a new Debenhams store |
City
Centre Manager John Harvey said in August 2004: "We have done
very well in relocating businesses to date," he said.
"Many
of those we have moved have gone into far superior premises than
the ones they were in previously, but we will continue to keep up
the hard work to find new space for those businesses that want to
move."
The
redevelopment of the city centre covers 13 acres of the Princesshay
area.
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| How
the new Eastgate House will look |
Fifty
new shops - including the flagship, Debenhams - will be built as
part of the plans.
There will also be 130 apartments, restaurants, and a 320-space
car park.
The
new city centre base for Exeter's main post office will be in the
former Tesco store in Sidwell Street.
It
has been refurbished by Land Securities to accommodate a number
of businesses affected by the building work.
The
branch will move in the New Year and will have the same number of
serving positions as currently in use, with staff transferring to
the new location.
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| The
new Bedford square |
The
Post Office has retained an option to return to its present location
in Bedford Street when the redevelopment work is completed in 2007.
The Princesshay redevelopment features pedestrianised streets and
easier access for people with disabilities.
The developers say that the provision of open spaces will provide
a much nicer setting for the city walls, and there will be a new
tourist information centre and heritage reception area for the city's
historic underground passages.
And Land
Securities have promised that the design
will open up new views to Exeter Cathedral.
Not everyone is happy with the redevelopment, but city council leaders
are hoping that critics will back the scheme once they see the new-look
Princesshay take shape.
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Article written: 17th August 2004
Updated:
31st January 2005
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