[Press Release] Royal Clarence – A Time Capsule for the City

FOR RELEASE

1 April 2025

The Royal Clarence Restoration Commences

Today marks a momentous day in Exeter’s history as NooKo officially commences restoration work on the beloved Royal Clarence, a building that has stood at the heart of Exeter for centuries.

Located in Cathedral Yard and widely recognised as one of the oldest buildings in the city, the Royal Clarence has been a fixture in the memories of Exeter residents for generations. After years of anticipation following the devastating fire in 2016, the scaffolding is rising once again but this time, it’s for a future built with care, craftsmanship and community at its heart.

This ambitious and sensitive redevelopment will breathe new life into the Royal Clarence, transforming the historic structure into a contemporary collection of homes and commercial spaces, while honouring the architectural elegance and cultural heritage that make it so loved.

A Time Capsule for the City

To mark this historic moment, NooKo is inviting the community to be part of the story. As part of the redevelopment, a community time capsule will be created and placed within the fabric of the building.  Locals are encouraged to start digging out their memories, photos, stories, letters or mementoes that speak to their personal connection with the Royal Clarence or life in Exeter.

From today we are asking residents past and present to reflect on what this building and city mean to them. Whether it was a wedding, a first job, a special celebration or simply passing by each day on the way to work; we want to hear your stories.

More details can be found on our website https://nooko.co.uk/time-capsule/

NooKo’s Vision

Max Sayers at “This is more than a restoration project,” said Max Sayers (co-founder of NooKo). “It’s about returning a piece of Exeter’s soul to the city centre and doing it in a way that’s thoughtful, sustainable and future-focused.”

“The time capsule is our way of embedding the treasured memories of our community into the heart of the building, so as we move forward into the next chapter of the building’s story they are not forgotten but remembered as an actual piece of the Royal Clarence. This building will be built by us,  but it belongs to Exeter.”

The project will be delivered in collaboration with leading architects and conservation experts and is guided by a deep respect for the site’s legacy. A blend of heritage craftsmanship and modern construction methods will ensure the Royal Clarence is not only preserved but future-proofed for generations to come.

As Exeter watches this landmark rise once more, NooKo invites the community to help shape the stories that will be sealed in time — and remembered forever.

ENDS

Media enquiries:

press@nooko.co.uk