The Cranbrook Leisure Centre project, a key part of the planned Cranbrook Leisure, Health and Wellbeing Campus, is progressing steadily towards delivery, with community engagement events planned for early 2026 as the next milestone in the design and planning process. news.eastdevon.gov.uk
Supported by funding from Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone (EEDEZ), the project has moved forward following approval from East Devon District Council to advance the development through detailed design stages, building on earlier decisions to appoint specialist consultants and prepare for a planning application.
Once complete, the leisure centre will provide a wide range of facilities for Cranbrook’s growing population, helping deliver vital opportunities for sport, fitness, play and community wellbeing. Provision of this new centre reflects both local consultation feedback and broader plans to create a vibrant town centre at Cranbrook that meets the needs of residents now and in the future.
The next phase will focus on engaging local people and stakeholders to help shape design details, with the first of these events expected to take place in early 2026. Feedback from community engagement will inform the detailed design work ahead of a formal planning submission later in the process.
EEDEZ funding plays an important role in this investment, helping to keep momentum on delivering leisure infrastructure as part of Cranbrook’s long-term growth and wellbeing strategy.
Councillor Paul Arnott, Chair of Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone and Leader of East Devon District Council, said:
Affordable, high-quality leisure and wellbeing facilities, within walking distance, will be much appreciated by Cranbrook’s growing community and employees at nearby Enterprise Zone sites. The council recognises the importance of these services, and we are working quickly to progress this project.
EDDC’s ward councillors for Cranbrook, Kim Bloxham, Kevin Blakey and Sam Hawkins, added:
This is an eagerly awaited milestone for our town and we’re very much looking forward to these key facilities opening. We encourage residents to share what they want to see in the upcoming engagement stage.
More updates on engagement opportunities and project progress will be shared via EEDEZ and partner channels as the programme advances.
Image caption: Cranbrook town centre, part of Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone. (c) Still Imaging