Multi-million pound plans to create an urban village in the city have taken a major step forward.
Swansea - the city and the bay
Coastal Housing has submitted detailed plans for its £24 million redevelopment of land bordered by High Street, The Strand and Kings Lane.
Shops, offices, food and drink outlets, and between 91 and 140 apartments — the majority classed as affordable housing — will be built if proposals get the go-ahead.
The scheme should generate 320 construction jobs over five years, according to the plans, plus 426 full and part-time jobs, once completed.
Wales's first "creative cluster" would also take shape, targeting architects, artists, fashion designers, musicians, media professionals and leisure software designers, among others. Council leader Chris Holley described the long-awaited plans as "one of the most important developments for the city in 40 years".
He said: "I think it will make a significant difference for residents and retail businesses in High Street."
Coastal Housing development director Geoff Pettifor said all the necessary land and buildings had been acquired, with remaining demolition work scheduled for next week.
The High Street pavement is closed off, but the road will remain open. The aim was to start the first phase of the scheme by 31 March, or shortly afterwards.
Mr Pettifor said he believed there was strong demand for commercial space at the creative cluster. "We have got people waiting to sign up," he said.
Creative clusters have taken root in Bristol, Brighton and Birmingham. Castle Ward councillor David Phillips is convinced they're the way forward, insisting they acted as a magnet for certain activities — for example, film production."They bring people together," he said. It's very important it (the scheme) moves forward."
A separate plan by Swansea Print Workshop to redevelop a warehouse on Kings Lane forms part of Coastal Housing's so-called urban village scheme.
South Wales Evening Post - 6 January 2010
Why not take a look at some of the highlights of Swansea Bay? You'll find lots of news about the way the area is changing - the exciting new developments taking place and the dynamic projects planned.
