The University of Exeter has announced plans for the redevelopment of its historic St Luke’s campus, an eleven-acre site nestled between Heavitree Road and Magdalen Road. The university is now seeking public opinion on this transformative project.

Founded in 1854 as a teacher training college, the St Luke’s campus is currently home to the university’s prestigious medical school, which includes nursing, biomedicine, sports, health sciences, and the School of Education. The proposed redevelopment aims to convert the site into a dedicated ‘health and wellbeing’ campus, enhancing its role in health-related education and research.

While details about the future of the School of Education remain unclear, the university has indicated that the redevelopment may incorporate purpose-built student accommodation. This aligns with the campus’s designation as one of four key employment sites in the new Exeter Local Plan.

An aerial view of St Luke’s campus reveals the potential scale of the development. The university has engaged consultants to draft a masterplan framework, slated for release early next year for further public consultation. This masterplan will play a crucial role in shaping future planning applications and is intended to become a significant part of the new Supplementary Planning Document following the adoption of the Exeter Local Plan.

The redevelopment of St Luke’s campus is not new to the university’s agenda. A decade ago, an options appraisal proposed the demolition and replacement of more than half of the campus buildings, aiming to create nearly 17,000 square metres of new space. Whether the current plans will mirror this ambitious scope will be clearer in the forthcoming proposals.

Feedback can be submitted through an online form, and any inquiries can be directed to the university’s campus development team at [email protected].

This redevelopment initiative presents a significant opportunity for developers and investors, marking a new chapter in the evolution of the St Luke’s campus and the broader Exeter region.