Exeter Quayside wall repaired after 'void' found

Repairs and stabilisation to a 344ft stretch of wall have now been completed

Crucial work to strengthen a high-profile wall on Exeter’s Quayside has now been completed, Exeter City Council has said.

The local authority carried out repairs and stabilisation to a 105m (344ft) stretch of cliff face wall above the quay on the city centre side of the River Exe.

The works have now been completed after the timescale was extended due to the discovery of a large void behind an unsupported section near the top of the wall.

Councillor Ruth Williams said: "I am delighted that the works are now complete and the wall has been successfully strengthened."

Smuggler's history

She continued: "I would like to thank all members of staff and contractors for their hard work and dedication for what has been a difficult and challenging project.

"These things are never easy and I would like to thank all the traders and local people for their patience and understanding whilst the work was taking place."

The cellars below the wall were once used by smugglers many years ago with an underground route connecting to the basements of properties in nearby Colleton Crescent.

Today the cellars provided a home to a number of businesses serving tourists and visitors to the quayside.

Heather Baker, of Saddles and Paddles, located on the quayside, said: “It is fantastic to see money invested to protect these historic cellar units and despite the disruption, the team carrying out the works were accommodating, friendly and helpful at all times and did their utmost to minimise interruption to our operations wherever possible."