The plans include new cafes, bars, beach sports shops and apartments
How the civic centre scheme could look.(Image: )
New detailed plans for the site of Swansea Civic Centre hav been revealed with the waterfront location set to be transformed. The ambitious plans include new cafes, bars and beach sports shops, as well as apartments, workspaces, an aquarium, a saltwater lido and an events space.
Swansea Council said the regeneration, which would overhaul one of the most recognisable buildings in the city, would make the site off Oystermouth Road a “vibrant new focal point” supporting local jobs and the economy.
The plans have been released ahead of a public consultation at the end of the month which will give residents the chance to share their feedback.
Swansea Council said the plans would boost the local economy and bring new jobs to the city.(Image: Swansea Council)
The full plans will be on display at the Y Storfa community services hub, the site of the former BHS, on Wednesday, January 28, from 3pm until 7pm, and on Thursday, January 29, from 9am until 5.30pm.
Regeneration company Urban Splash has come up with the plans as part of a 20-year regeneration partnership with the council which spans seven city sites.
The new “waterfront district” is set to connect the city centre and arena to the beach, with the Civic Centre forming the centre of the new area with an array of places to eat, drink, stay and work. The plan is for new cafes, bars and shops to line the ground floors.
UrbanSplash has described it as being a place “where the city truly meets the beach”.
(Image: Swansea Council)
This key part of the city has undergone dramatic change before having previously been home to a thriving community which was demolished to make way for the Civic Centre. Those memories will be left in the further distant past when the new development begins.
David Warburton, development director at Urban Splash, said: “We are very much looking forward to this early engagement with local people and businesses to help shape proposals for the Civic Centre building – a hugely important part of Swansea’s continued transformation, with the Civic being the place where the city meets the beach.
“Urban Splash has over 30 years of experience sensitively transforming buildings of significance, preserving heritage while creating spaces for a new generation.
“Engaging with local communities and incorporating their feedback is central to our work, and we look forward to doing that in Swansea, once again listening to local needs to develop a sustainable new place that will continue to stand the test of time.”
Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council leader, said: “These emerging proposals for the Civic Centre mark another important chapter in Swansea’s ongoing regeneration story.
“This site has the potential to become a vibrant new focal point on our waterfront, bringing together homes, leisure, culture and public spaces in a way that complements the huge investment already transforming our city.
“By reimagining how this area can be used, we can support local jobs, boost our economy and create new opportunities for residents and visitors. I’d encourage everyone to take part in this early consultation, share their ideas and help shape a scheme that reflects the ambitions of our growing and confident city.”
The full plans will be available online next week.
