The first shops to be completed as part of the redevelopment of Exeter city centre open their doors to the public this Easter. The finished units are in the Bedford Street area of Princesshay, which is undergoing a £225 million revamp. The redevelopment is set for completion in the autumn of 2007, but the first phase will see a number of shops and restaurants open up on 2 April. Among the outlets in Bedford Street are fragrance brands Neal's Yard Remedies and Crabtree & Evelyn.  | | Bedford Street takes shape (William Dartnell) |
Also opening up are restaurants Strada, and La Tasca, quintessential English retailer Crew, British tea and coffee brand Ringtons, local home accessories and furniture retailer Orange Tree, and contemporary florist Stem. The main Post Office is also due to open in Bedford Street on 2 April, when it relocates its operations from Sidwell Street. Council leaders in Exeter hope the revamp will help towards making the city the region's most popular shopping destination. The main focal point for the new development will be Princesshay Square, with its pavement cafe area and views of the Cathedral. The large Square will also play host to regular street entertainment and city events. Among the most eye-catching parts of the development is the building at the corner of Paris Street, which will be home to Next, Zara, and Top Shop.  | | Work is due for completion in the autumn |
The developers are Land Securities and the contractors are Sir Robert McAlpine. Leader of Exeter City Council, Cllr Roy Slack, said: "2007 will see the completion of a whole series of projects to make Exeter the key shopping and day out destination west of Bristol. "We are very pleased that Land Securities have been able to open this first phase of Princesshay well ahead of the full completion this autumn. "The new retailers, restaurants and pavement cafés set around pedestrianised streets will provide a major new attraction for the city centre." The redevelopment of Princesshay began in 2005, and not everyone in Exeter was in favour. The old units were knocked down to make way for the new buildings. The new-look Princesshay will feature more than 60 shops, cafés and restaurants. There will also be a multiplex cinema, 122 apartments, a heritage centre, a 270-space car park and public art. | 
