At Leys Construction, we take pride in helping to shape local communities by delivering high-quality groundworks and construction services. One of our most exciting projects in recent years was the development of four bespoke homes on Exeter’s historic quayside. This project allowed us to demonstrate our expertise in concreting and groundworks, overcoming unique challenges to bring the vision to life.


The Project
The development centred around the creation of four stunning homes designed to complement the area’s heritage and waterfront setting. Two of the homes were built by extending an existing chapel, retaining its historic charm, while the other two were constructed on neighbouring land.
Given the quayside location, the project required meticulous planning and execution to ensure the new structures blended harmoniously with their surroundings while meeting modern living standards.

Our Approach on Groundworks
Our work focused on delivering a solid and reliable foundation for this complex build, starting with the landscaping: the construction of a substantial concrete retaining wall and slab foundation. These structural elements were vital for managing the quayside’s challenging ground conditions and ensuring long-term stability.
The site’s limited space required precision and efficiency at every stage of the project. Careful coordination between our team and other contractors was essential to navigate the constraints and ensure all elements came together smoothly.
Challenges Overcome for Groundworks in Exeter
- Space Constraints: We were working on a quayside site. It meant tight access and limited storage areas, requiring detailed logistics and sequencing to keep the project on track. We had similar challenges with our Groundworks project in Salcombe.
- Complex Groundworks: The construction of the concrete retaining wall and foundations required precision engineering to support the homes on varied ground conditions.
- COVID-19 Pandemic: The two-year project spanned the height of the pandemic, introducing additional health and safety measures and supply chain disruptions. Despite this, the team adapted to maintain steady progress.
The Outcome
After more than two years of dedicated work, the project was completed to a high standard, delivering four exceptional homes that blend historical charm with contemporary living. This development stands as a testament to the strength of collaboration and the expertise required to tackle complex builds in challenging locations.
If you’re planning a project that requires reliable groundworks in Devon or precision concreting in Devon, we’d be delighted to help. Contact us to learn more about how we can support your next construction project.
