A new community building and GP surgery for South West Exeter is progressing towards completion, with the finishing touches now being applied to the roof.
The facility will bring essential healthcare and flexible community space together on one site, serving both new and existing residents in this growing part of the city.
The building forms part of the wider South West Exeter Development, which is expected to deliver around 2,500 new homes on the edge of the city.
Supported by £48.6 million from the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, administered by Homes England, the wider programme is helping provide the infrastructure needed to support that growth at an early stage.
The community building will include a hall, studio space, meeting rooms, a multi-use foyer and kitchen, while the GP surgery will initially provide six consulting rooms, with space for future NHS fit-out.
Works began on site in April 2025 and are due to complete this autumn.
Local councillors visited the site on 26 May to see the progress being made and hear more about the next stages of construction.
They were joined by Councillor Caroline Leaver, Chair of Devon County Council, portfolio holders from Teignbridge District Council, and representatives from Homes England and Exminster Parish Council.
Chair of Devon County Council, Councillor Caroline Leaver* said:
“From what I have seen today the facility is going to be impressive and exactly the kind of infrastructure needed to support a growing area.”
Cllr Alan Connett, local county councillor for Exminster & Haldon, said:
“I’m delighted to see this important project making progress and is on course for completion this autumn.
“These new facilities will make a real difference for people living in the new community at Matford and nearby areas, giving residents better access to local healthcare and a welcoming community space as the area continues to grow.
“It’s vital that we have the much-needed community infrastructure when new large-scale housing is being built.”
Cllr Neil Stevens, local county councillor for Alphington & Cowick, said:
“It is encouraging to see progress being made on such an important facility for the South West Exeter area, particularly with the continued growth and demand being placed on local infrastructure and healthcare services.
“Facilities such as this are vital for supporting both existing and future residents, and I look forward to seeing the progress made on the scheme and hearing more about the next stages leading towards completion later in the financial year.”
A spokesperson for Teignbridge District Council, said:
“It’s fantastic to see this project progressing so well. Providing essential neighbourhood facilities and infrastructure, like this community building and surgery, will help meet the growing needs of the local community. The community building and surgery will ensure access to local services, healthcare and activities, while also making the area even more attractive for the residents and prospective buyers of the many new homes being built.”
Bob Rouse Contracts Manager for Tilbury Douglas added,
“Topping out marks the completion of the roof to this wonderful landmark building. It’s a great to celebrate this with the support of local councillors.
“We are proud to be working with South West Norse and Devon County Council to provide this superb facility procured under the Southern Construction Framework, which will be a real benefit to the local community.”
*Councillor Caroline Leaver has been the Chair of Devon County Council for the past 12 months. At today’s Full Council meeting, as part of the council’s procedures, a new Chair and Vice Chair has been appointed for the next 12 months.