The plans to build Cranbrook Leisure Centre, including two pools, fitness studios, a soft play and a cafe, have taken major steps forward.
The Cranbrook Leisure Centre project has advanced to the next stage, with aims for construction to begin in 2027.
East Devon District Council (EDDC) approved moving forward with detailed designs and appointing a consultant at its Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, September 3.
The centre will help serve the growing community in the town, expected to reach more than 20,000 residents as part of a broader health and wellbeing campus in Cranbrook’s town centre, which is one of the sites in Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone (EEDEZ).
East Devon District Council (EDDC) gave the green light for the next stage of work at its Cabinet meeting on September 3, 2025.
The authority will now be looking to appoint a consultant team to take the leisure centre project through to the detailed design stages, ready for a planning application to be put forward. These appointments will be funded by the EEDEZ, and approval also needs to be sought from full council in October 2025.
The leisure centre will include a 25metre pool as well as a learner pool, fitness studio, two studios, spin studio and soft play, supported by a cafe.
The leisure centre will be a key part of Cranbrook’s growing town centre.
The project also involves collaboration with NHS Devon, who are developing the Neighbourhood Health Centre, and Devon County Council (DCC), who are exploring integration of a library, youth, and family Hub within the leisure centre. EDDC’s Leisure and Built Facilities Strategy identifies the delivery of a Leisure Centre at Cranbrook as being a priority one action.
When completed, the campus will provide a range of local sport, leisure and community and wellbeing facilities for a population set to reach more than 20,000 in the coming years.
Councillor Paul Arnott, Chair of Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone and Leader of East Devon District Council, said:
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver high-quality leisure and wellbeing facilities in Cranbrook. Cabinet’s decision will make sure we keep momentum, deliver value for money and meet the needs of our growing community.”
EDDC’s ward councillors for Cranbrook, Kim Bloxham, Kevin Blakey and Sam Hawkins added:
“A leisure centre has been a key aspiration for the town for a long time and this decision by EDDC’s Cabinet is very welcome and is a major step forward.
“It is crucial that this project is delivered as promised and on time.”