A proposed vision to redevelop the University of Exeter’s St Luke’s Campus over the next 50 years will soon be open for public view.

They propose seven new buildings with public open spaces within the campus and create more medical research sites, which will be closely linked with the Royal Devon and Exeter University Trust.

The plans will be reviewed by Exeter City Council. If endorsed, each building and area to be developed will go through the usual planning process and include further public consultation before any construction starts on site.

They are looking to improve the site with a 'modern and biodiverse landscape', while opening up the area with publicly accessible spaces.

In November 2023, the University held a public consultation where people could share their ideas. Now, a public display will showcase the proposed long term vision for the campus, which incorporate key aspects of the feedback shared.

Professor Richard Smith, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor for planning and projects in the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, said: “We’re excited to showcase our vision for an ambitious redevelopment of our St Luke’s Campus, which will significantly enhance the city’s position as a global centre of excellence in health and wellbeing in the coming decades. When we first gauged public views during the earliest stages, we were told that people wanted us to retain the historic buildings and green spaces. I’m pleased to confirm that the proposal will enhance our chapel and our cloisters buildings and the green spaces at the heart of the campus. In the long term, it will create an open and inviting space that complements the surrounding areas and buildings."

Sam Higginson, Chief Executive Officer for the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: “The proposed expansion of St Luke’s represents an excellent step forward, not only for our strong partnership with the University of Exeter, but it also strengthens our joint reputation as being a centre of excellence for research and innovation.

“Developing our world-class facilities will help us continue to promote the South West as a leader in the sector, and enable us to continue offering extensive training and career development opportunities. This will also enhance the cutting-edge research we deliver, benefitting our colleagues, trainees, and communities.”

Public views are invited at two engagement events on Tuesday 16 April and Thursday 25 April from 13:00 to 19:00, at St Luke’s Campus on the first floor of Cross Keys café.