Exeter in review: How the city changed in 2025 and what lies ahead in 2026

As Exeter enters the new year, the past 12 months have highlighted the city’s strong sense of community, ongoing investment and steady progress across neighbourhoods across the city. 

Throughout the year, support for residents remained a key focus. 

Schools, charities and community organisations in areas including St Sidwell’s, Alphington and Beacon Heath continued to work together to help households manage day-to-day pressures.

Initiatives such as community larders, warm spaces and family wellbeing programmes at venues including libraries, community centres and church halls played an important role, particularly during the winter months.

Education and skills remained central to Exeter’s identity in 2025, with schools across the city and major local further and higher education providers continuing to attract students from across the UK and overseas. 

The University of Exeter, which has around 28,000 full-time students on its Streatham and St Luke’s campuses, continues to draw an international student community from more than 150 countries, reflecting the city’s global reach in higher education.

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Exeter College, which serves more than 7,000 full-time 16-18 students and over 2,100 apprentices alongside adult learners, also expanded its work on construction, healthcare and green skills.

In November, the College set out plans as the South West’s Construction Technical Excellence College, offering more than 20 construction-related courses to over 1,500 learners to help address regional skills shortages.

Additionally, Exeter College has secured new funding for a simulated hospital training ward to expand healthcare training capacity, reflecting a growing emphasis on skills that support local workforce needs.

Environmental resilience was a prominent theme. From the Environment Agency, Exeter’s flood defences along the River Exe, including around Exwick, the Quayside and Countess Wear, continued to protect homes, businesses and transport links during periods of high rainfall. 

Ongoing maintenance work and improved flood warning services helped ensure preparedness, while green spaces such as Riverside Valley Park and Ludwell Valley continued to support biodiversity and recreation.

The local economy showed resilience, with independent businesses across Fore Street, Sidwell Street, Magdalen Road and the Cathedral Green maintaining a strong presence. 

Community events, cultural activity and sporting fixtures at venues including St James Park and Exeter Arena drew residents and visitors into the city throughout the year, supporting local traders and hospitality venues.

Looking ahead to 2026, Exeter is expected to continue focusing on housing, transport and sustainability, according to Exeter City Council planning documents, Devon County Council transport strategies and approved development plans already under way. 

These include up to 2,500 homes planned at the South West Exeter urban extension and a £30 million housing scheme at Beacon Heath, where construction has begun on 61 private and 32 affordable homes. 

The Beacon Heath development includes community infrastructure funding for local services and sustainable transport, such as extended bus services and new walking and cycling routes. 

Alongside this, Devon County Council has confirmed continued investment in transport, including the rollout of zero-emission buses on Exeter routes and funding for active travel schemes in areas such as Newtown, Alphington and Topsham, as the city seeks to balance growth in the city centre with neighbourhood needs.

As the new year begins, Exeter enters 2026 with a focus on steady progress, strong local partnerships and continued collaboration between residents, community groups and institutions across the city.