If you’ve walked down North Street lately, you’ve probably felt it. That slightly "under-loved" vibe is finally on the chopping block. Honestly, the buzz about news in Exeter Devon right now isn’t just about the usual rainy weather or the latest score at Sandy Park. It is about a massive, city-wide identity shift that's kicking into high gear this January.
Exeter is currently caught between being a historic Roman cathedral city and a modern tech-and-transport hub. It’s a messy transition.
The Battle for the High Street (and Your Commute)
The biggest talking point at the moment? It's definitely the bus lanes.
Devon County Council has been pushing their Bus Service Improvement Plans hard. We are talking about proposed changes on Fore Street in Heavitree, Heavitree Road, and Pinhoe Road. Basically, they want 12-hour restrictions (7 am to 7 pm) for bus lanes.
Local businesses are, frankly, terrified.
Heavitree traders have been out there with clipboards, literally counting buses to prove the restrictions are overkill. They’re worried that losing loading bays will kill off the remaining independent shops. It's a classic Exeter standoff: the "Green City" vision versus the reality of running a small business.
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What’s actually happening with North Street?
For years, North Street has felt like the city's back alley. That's changing. The Exeter Civic Society has been holding workshops—the most recent ones wrapping up late last year—to completely rethink this gateway. With the Mary Arches multi-storey car park being redeveloped into residential blocks, the "car-first" era of North Street is dying.
Expect wider pavements. Expect trees. Maybe even some decent seating that isn't just a cold concrete ledge.
The Exeter Chiefs and the Parisian Gamble
Switching gears to sports, the news in Exeter Devon has a distinctly French flavor this week.
The Exeter Chiefs are heading to Paris to face Stade Francais in the EPCR Challenge Cup. It’s a huge game. Director of Rugby Rob Baxter has been pretty vocal about "recharging the emotional battery" after that rough result against Bath.
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- Kick-off: 14:00 (French time) at Stade Jean Bouin.
- The Big Return: Paul Brown-Bampoe is back in the mix for the first time since November.
- The Strategy: A 6-2 split on the bench, showing they’re expecting a brutal physical battle in the pack.
It’s a transitional season for the Chiefs, and seeing how the "new-look" squad handles the pressure in Paris will tell us everything about their 2026 prospects.
Housing: The Crisis Nobody Can Ignore
Let's be real—trying to find a flat in Exeter right now is a nightmare.
Average house prices have basically doubled over the last decade. If you're a first-time buyer, you’re looking at needing a £30,000 deposit just to get a foot in the door. That is insane for a city of this size.
The council is under immense pressure. There’s a shortfall of about 3,000 homes in the current planning cycle. However, some progress is being made. Just this week, news broke about a major affordable housing initiative spearheaded by the United Way, focusing on sites that have been neglected for years.
But it’s not just about building new stuff. It's about "repurposing."
Take 48 New North Road, for example. Recent planning applications show a shift toward converting old office spaces into HMOs (Houses in Multiple Occupation). It’s a controversial move. It packs more people into the center but often at the cost of living quality.
Culture and the "Forward Plan"
If you haven't been to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) lately, go.
The council just approved the RAMM Forward Plan for 2026–2029. It sounds boring, but it's actually vital. It secures their "Accreditation" status, which is basically the golden ticket for getting national funding. Without it, the museum would have to rely entirely on local taxes, and we all know how tight those budgets are right now.
The RAMM is looking to become more financially independent. They’re launching a five-year "Strategic Roadmap" to increase philanthropic giving. Basically, they're looking for wealthy patrons to step up so the museum can keep its doors open for free.
What to do in Exeter this month:
- Exeter Festival of Beer: Running from January 15th to 17th. It’s the perfect antidote to the January blues.
- Exeter Record & CD Fair: A staple for the vinyl collectors, usually popping up at the Corn Exchange.
- Holocaust Memorial Day: Events are planned across the city for January 27th, with a major focus on the Guildhall and the Cathedral.
The 2026 Outlook
What does all this news in Exeter Devon actually mean for you?
If you're a driver, expect more frustration. The push for 24/7 bus lanes and Low Traffic Neighborhoods (LTNs) isn't going away, even with the pushback in Heavitree. The city is doubling down on its "Net Zero" goals.
If you're a renter or buyer, the market is "resilient," which is estate-agent-speak for "expensive." But with the new developments at Mary Arches and the Harlequins site moving forward, the skyline is finally starting to change.
Exeter isn't just a "big village" anymore. It's growing up, and the growing pains are very real.
Actionable Next Steps for Residents:
- Check your voting status: If you use a postal vote, you must renew it by January 31, 2026, or you'll be heading to the polling station in person next time.
- Support the locals: Head to Fore Street. The traders there are feeling the pinch from the roadworks and proposed lane changes.
- Get involved in the "Vision for North Street": The Exeter Civic Society is still taking feedback on how to make that part of town less "grim."