Representatives from Swansea Council, development partner Fusion Students and construction specialist ISG, celebrated the successful topping out of the latest regeneration project at the small ceremony – in accordance with social distancing measures.
Previously the location of the Mariner Street carpark site, the new tower stands at 62 metres tall making it central Swansea’s second tallest building and among the tallest in Wales.
Included in the development is the £39.8m student accommodation. The striking 21-storey tower, with distinctive cladding, will house 244 students, with a further 531 accommodated within the surrounding six to eight storey brick-clad structures. It will provide home away from home facilities, including a cinema, study areas, private dining, library, games area and a gymnasium.
The scheme also incorporates 20,000 sq ft of retail space, alongside a comprehensive range of study, social and community amenities for residents as part of the city’s £1bn regeneration project.
Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said: “This is another landmark moment in our city centre’s £1bn regeneration story. The tower is a striking addition to our cityscape. It will bring vibrant new life to the High Street area and will help transform the wider city centre which is fast becoming a great place to live, work, study and play. Private investment of this nature is key to our plans and we’re actively looking for a lot more over the coming years.”
Ian Packer, senior project manager for ISG UK Construction, said: “Today marks a moment to reflect on the hard work, creative thinking and collaboration that has bought us to today’s achievement. The Tower will act as a true pillar of the community, welcoming the very brightest students to the heart of the city. Upon completion it will provide them with the latest state-of-the-art facilities right in the city’s modernized hub as part of its impressive regeneration project, setting an example of excellence in living and lifestyle standards.”
Nigel Henry, co-founder of Fusion Students said: “This is Fusion’s fourth large project in Wales and probably the most complex. Working closely with Swansea City Council and ISG we could not be prouder of the outcome of thousands of hours of planning. We are excited to welcome students to this unique Campus, a flagship building in Swansea both outside and inside. Our mission is for all students to have the best possible experience while at University and after their studies and living with the Fusion family, to be able to confidently move forwards with their lives. The design of space plays a huge part for each student, we now look forward to seeing the homes completed and become the go to destination it deserves to be.”
