Close to 1,000 more workers are set to be located in Swansea city centre in a boost for traders and the local economy.
The workers would be located at a proposed new public sector hub, which is being considered for the area of the former St David’s shopping centre.
The public sector hub is proposed to accommodate hundreds of council staff, along with workers from other public sector organisations and both private and commercial tenants.
Set to be delivered by Swansea Council in partnership with Urban Splash, a report on the public sector hub will be considered by the council’s cabinet later this month.
Subject to approvals, consultation and planning permission, construction work on the public sector hub is anticipated to start in mid-2025.
If the public sector hub goes ahead, it would also enable the redevelopment of the Civic Centre site on the seafront.
Proposals for the redevelopment of the Civic Centre site will be announced as soon as they’re finalised.
Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “Like many other towns and cities throughout the UK, Swansea city centre needs more people working and living there to create the spending that’s needed to support existing traders and attract new shops and other businesses.
“The public sector hub would help meet that challenge by locating close to 1,000 workers in the heart of the city centre.
“It would follow-on from a first phase of city centre regeneration that’s already seen Swansea Arena and the coastal park open, with projects like the Palace Theatre’s restoration and the construction of a major new office development at 71/72 The Kingsway nearing completion too.
“The combination of completed, ongoing and proposed developments all form part of our commitment to support local businesses, create jobs for local people and generate a more vibrant city centre.
“Subject to approvals, the public sector hub’s construction would follow the completion of all other projects which are in progress.”
No council staff will be located at the 71/72 Kingsway scheme. That development will accommodate private sector businesses and discussions with a number of potential tenants are at an advanced stage.
