More than £3 million is to be spent on improving and updating existing facilities at Exeter’s leisure centres.

The budget will be generated through the sale of Clifton Hill Sports Centre site, which has been shut since the building was damaged by heavy snowfall earlier this year.

The centre was built in 1984 with a life expectancy of 25 years. It is one of only two such facilities left in the country – all others have already been closed down. A combination of factors means the operator is running the centre at a significant loss. 

The Clifton Hill site will be used for residential accommodation but not purpose-built student accommodation.

A total of £3,036,692 will be invested to enhance Exeter Arena and ISCA Centre, Wonford Sports Centre and Riverside Swimming Pool and Leisure Centre, which is due to fully reopen in September.