Plans for a new urban development in Swansea have been approved.
- The project includes a six-storey apartment block and commercial units.
- Shipping container-style units will provide business spaces.
- The development aims to revitalise Swansea’s High Street area.
- Local residents have expressed mixed opinions about the project.
Plans for a new urban development near Swansea’s High Street have received the green light. The scheme involves constructing a six-storey apartment block, which will replace a small car park in the Urban Village area. Additionally, innovative shipping container-style units will serve as commercial spaces on a nearby grassy area.
This development seeks to breathe new life into a part of the city previously known for its outdated buildings and lacklustre atmosphere. According to a council planning officer report, the central area necessitates a vibrant mix of leisure, culture, retail, office, and residential uses, coupled with high-quality buildings and public spaces. This project, led by Coastal Housing Group, aligns with the goal of enhancing the area.
While the multi-storey car park nearby will remain, the development will add 15 one and two-bedroom flats, featuring dedicated cycle storage and a bin store. Commercial tenants must manage their own waste disposal. Residents’ concerns about surface water management have been addressed, with a condition preventing discharge into the main sewer.
Public opinion is divided; most residents of the closest blocks, Strand Court and Court Mews, have opposed the plans. However, the council notes that the existing flats face east and west, reducing the potential impact of the new development.
At the other end of the city centre, Coastal Housing is exploring further redevelopment. A proposal to convert a former office block into 48 flats is under consideration by council officers.
The ambitious project marks a significant step in Swansea’s ongoing regeneration efforts.
