The city's European-style boulevard is a step closer.
How Swansea city centre will look
Swansea Council's cabinet yesterday approved plans to start preliminary work on Oystermouth Road from the Strand to the LC.
It is the first phase of the boulevard regeneration scheme which will eventually stretch from the Tawe bridges to the Civic Centre.
Council leader Chris Holley said he wanted to assure the public every measure would be taken to ensure minimum disruption to commuters, shoppers and visitors.
He told the Post: "The boulevard scheme is being designed to allow smoother traffic flow and generate better links for pedestrians and cyclists passing back and forth from the Maritime Quarter and SA1 to the city centre shops."
The plans, which will now go out for public consultation, include the reconfiguration of the access to Wind Street and Somerset Place, and the filling in of the Victoria Road subway.
Trees would be planted along the route's central reservation and cycle and pedestrian routes would also be improved.
Gareth Sullivan, cabinet member for economic and strategic development and planning, said: "This is an important gateway into Swansea and major environmental improvements could make it more attractive and more likely to attract further investment."
"We can assure residents and businesses that they'll be kept informed and will have every chance to offer their feedback on each phase of the scheme."
Two other improvement initiatives were also given the go-head by cabinet members yesterday, which will also go out for public consultation.
The £20 million regeneration scheme also includes improving the promenade between Sainsbury's and the observatory and sprucing up Lower Oxford Street.
Work on these phases could begin by late 2010 or early 2011.
Cabinet members praised the schemes, with Councillor Mike Day, saying: "This plan shows commitment to the redevelopment of the city and in addition we must not forget the employment schemes like this will bring.
"We have to realise there will be some disruption, but we must minimalise it as much as possible. I'm excited for the finished product."
2nd August, 2010
Have a look at www.swanseacitycentre.com/boulevard for more information.
