Author: Rhys Gregory

Plans for a 780-bedroom student tower near Swansea’s city centre railway station have been given the planning go-ahead. They have been given planning permission by a Swansea Council planning committee. The building – described as having a “slender tower of bold design” – will rise up to 17 storeys from the existing Mariner Street Car Park and neighbouring land. Its ground floor will have commercial units. Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said: “This is another signal that Swansea is on the up. “This tower will be a bold addition to the city skyline and symbolises the successful regeneration of High…

Following a successful test in South Wales on Monday, Tom Cave says he feels ready for his biggest challenge of the year, the Dayinsure Wales Rally GB – Britain’s round of the FIA World Rally Championship. [aoa id=”1″] Monday’s test saw the 26-year old from Aberdovey back behind the wheel of a Hyundai i20 R5 for the first time since finishing third in the WRC2 category on the Neste Rally Finland in July last year. It didn’t take long for Tom to re-acclimatise himself to the car and, with just a few tweaks made by the Philip Case Rally Sport…

A company that provides affordable IT support and services to businesses across the UK from its head office in Swansea is using Apprenticeships as an integral part of its recruitment programme. [aoa id=”1″] Established in 2003, Pisys.net is now one of the leading outsourced IT suppliers, with clients ranging from start-ups to multi-site operations in the public, private and third sectors. Pisys.net will be competing to become Small Employer of the Year at the awards ceremony at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport on November 9. [/aoa] The annual awards are designed to showcase and celebrate the outstanding achievements of learners,…

One of Swansea city centre’s biggest ever transformation projects has been given the planning go-ahead. Full planning permission has been granted for the £120m Swansea Central Phase Onescheme. It means that building could start soon for a 3,500-capacity digital indoor arena, coastal park, digital plaza, “gateway” landmark pedestrian bridge, new homes and premises for retail, food and drink. [aoa id=”1″][/aoa] The project is likely to be a catalyst for city-wide regeneration. Council leader Rob Stewart said:  “This is a big day for Swansea. Today’s final planning decision allows us to progress swiftly with one of our city’s biggest ever transformation projects. “Our…

Author and medical broadcaster Dr Hilary Jones GP has been announced as host of St John Cymru’s Centenary Charity Ball. Dr Hilary’s extensive and varied medical career has seen him working as a single-handed medical officer on Tristan to Cunha, the most isolated inhabited Island in the world, and as a troubleshooting medic for the oil industry in Shetland. Described as the U.K.’s most well-known and trusted GP, Dr Hilary and his TV broadcasts have seen him cover breaking medical news stories not just at home but internationally. With regular appearances on Steve Wright’s radio 2 show, Dr Hilary has…

Welshpool-based recycling specialists Parry & Evans Ltd not only have to keep close control over the quality of recycled materials but also export trading prices. [aoa id=”1″] The family company, which has a turnover of £16 million and employs 62 staff, exports up to 40% of recycled cardboard, paper and plastic to America, China, India, Indonesia and across Europe. Now the company’s success story has been recognised with the International Trade Award, sponsored by Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors, at the annual Powys Business Awards held at The Hafren, Newtown. The awards are organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group. [/aoa] Director Lee…

A mum from Cardiff will be taking on the Cardiff Half Marathon to raise funds for Diabetes UK Cymru after her daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Amanda Lyon, 36, said her world was turned upside down when Emily, 5, was diagnosed with the condition in January. Now she is determined to complete the 13.1-mile challenge on Sunday 7 October to raise awareness of the condition and to fundraise for Diabetes UK Cymru. Diabetes UK Cymru’s Know Type 1 campaign aims to raise awareness of the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes, encouraging people to look out for the 4…

The Cardiff Half Marathon will take place on October 7thand with 25,000 people expected to take part in the event, Cardiff is expected to be exceptionally busy. To set up and dismantle the race village for the event, there have been road closures in place in the Civic Centre from Wednesday October 3rd. From 5am on Thursday October 4thuntil midnight on October 8thKing Edward V11 Avenue will be closed up to the junction with Boulevard de Nantes and to the junction with City Hall Road. The following roads will be closed from 5am on Friday October 5thuntil midnight on October…

An ambitious hospital team reached new heights in their quest to help a homeless shelter in Wrexham. Seven hospital staff from the private Spire Yale Hospital in Wrexham climbed 1,085 metres to the top of Wales’ highest mountain, Snowdon, to raise £800 for the Tŷ Nos hostel. [aoa id=”1″] The 16-bed shelter, in Holt Road, is so busy that almost every night it has to turn desperate people away with nowhere else to turn. The team’s donation has helped to replenish vital supplies and includes two new beds, bedding, mattresses and duvets which were purchased at heavily discounted costs thanks…

A fast-growing social enterprise has clinched a £37 million in contracts – and is aiming to win even more business. [aoa id=”1″] The news was revealed at the official opening of the new business park in Mochdre where Creating Enterprise has moved into a state-of-the-art headquarters. The pioneering development by housing association Cartrefi Conwy, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, will kick start plans for regeneration projects across North Wales and to build up to 300 new homes. [/aoa] The business park is the first of its kind in Wales and is also providing jobs and training for…