The next big part of Swansea city centre's transformation is set to get underway, as plans to breathe new life into the area where the former St David's Shopping Centre once stood gather pace.
Early site investigation works will take place on Thursday, April 11, Swansea Council says, and for a week starting from Monday, May 13. The works will be undertaken by regeneration specialist Urban Splash as part of working proposals for the site, in partnership with experienced real estate company Milligan.
Mixed-use proposals for the site are currently in development and will include a public sector hub as well as a new city office quarter, which Swansea Council has said will "generate new jobs within the region as well as boosting city centre footfall for surrounding businesses and beyond". For the latest Swansea news, sign up to our newsletter here.
READ MORE: Swansea's old Topman store set to be transformed into shops and apartments
READ MORE: Swansea's old dry ski slope has gone up for sale
The development of the site was first revealed at the same time as plans were mooted for a new Swansea indoor arena, multi-storey car park and hotel in a £135m project called Copr Bay. The 3,500-capacity Swansea Arena opened officially in March, 2022, along with the new yellow bridge over Oystermouth Road. An urban park, now named Amy Dillwyn Park, opened not long after. The hotel has yet to be completed but the site is being actively marketed by Swansea Council.
The multi-storey car park has been built but has been hit by problems, including issues with the paint applied to the steelwork and the original contractor going into administration. But now the next phase of the regeneration of the area is set to kick in.
Council leader, councillor Rob Stewart said: "The proposals being led by Urban Splash and Milligan for the site in the area of the former St David's Shopping Centre are a key part of our major regeneration plans, and will help further breathe new life into the city centre.
"They'll help develop better links between the city centre and areas like the arena and waterfront, while also creating jobs for local people and bringing more footfall for city centre businesses. Detailed proposals are currently in development and - once ready - they'll be made available for the public to give feedback on. Site investigation works of this kind are a standard part of the process for regeneration projects of this scale at the initial stages."
A section of the grassed area outside St David's Church Hall will be fenced off while the works are ongoing. The council has said every effort will be made to ensure minimum disruption to the public.
Urban Splash is Swansea Council's long-term regeneration partner for a number of sites in the city centre and on the waterfront. Other sites set to be redeveloped by Urban Splash in the coming years include the Civic Centre site on the seafront. Get the best user experience with WalesOnline’s Premium app on Apple or Android.
