People are now able to enjoy using the first completed section of the Newtown Community Project.
It follows the upgrade of walkways and cycleways between Clifton Road and Heavitree Road, including the section through the Triangle Car Park. Footway widening and contraflow cycling works on Clifton Hill have also been completed within this first phase.
The improvements to the existing walkways and cycleways have been designed to help make journeys around Newtown easier, safer and more accessible. The facilities can be used by all users, therefore improving lifestyles and access to green space.
The scheme, funded by Sport England, is part of a collaboration between us and Exeter City Council’s Live and Move programme.
The project has been shaped by local people over the past five years, developed through engagement with residents, businesses and community groups. Following approval by both councils in 2025, the work was divided into phases to help minimise disruption.
Phase one has delivered a range of improvements around Triangle Car Park, Russell Street and Clifton Hill. As well as the upgraded walkways and cycleways, it also includes new cycle parking facilities, improved uncontrolled crossing points, planting and improved signage. Changes have also been made to road layouts to make moving through the area easier and safer.
Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said:
“I’m pleased to see the first phase of this scheme come to fruition. A huge amount of work has gone into this project to ensure it’s easier and safer for people to use active travel in Newtown. The community will also benefit from improved access to green spaces in the area.”
Exeter City Councillor Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor for leisure services and healthy living, said:
“This project is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when we work closely with local people over a sustained period. This is a community-led project that has been shaped by residents’ feedback every step of the way, with the aim of making it easier and safer for people of all ages and abilities to walk, wheel and cycle around the neighbourhood.
“By making shared routes safer and easier to use, this project supports all road users without restricting access to the area.
“By creating a more welcoming and accessible public space, we’re supporting healthier lifestyles, improving connections within the community, and helping to build a more sustainable Exeter for the future.”
Councillor Thomas Richardson, Devon County Councillor for St Sidwell’s and St James, said:
“Firstly, thank you to the residents of Newtown for their patience during this project. I am glad progress has been made, and it is great to have a quieter, more pleasant alternative route for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the city via this wonderful neighbourhood.”
Work on the next phase of the scheme (Belmont Park to Clifton Road) is expected to begin later this year, bringing further improvements to Newtown’s streets and public spaces.
Find out more at https://liveandmove.co.uk/newtown/
