Exeter city centre adds student flats and reopens refurbished pub

A planning application has been submitted to convert the Grade II‑listed Queens House office block on Little Queen Street into 37 purpose‑built student bedroom suites, while retaining the ground‑floor retail space, Bella Italia restaurant and The Vaults nightclub in the basement. The developer, Mountcrest Associates, says the vacant office building reflects a decline in town‑centre office space, and the conversion is part of Exeter’s rapid growth in student accommodation, a trend that has sparked local debate over housing affordability and community balance.

Separately, the historic Angel pub on Queen Street is undergoing a major refurbishment by Star Pubs. The venue will reopen before the end of September under the new name The Engine House, located opposite Exeter Central Station. The refurbishment follows asbestos remediation and follows Heineken’s recent investment in regional pubs, with plans to improve sports facilities and overall offering.