Wales’ largest housing association is investing millions of pounds in affordable city centre living as part of ambitious plans for the future of Swansea.
As well as signing-up to manage 33 affordable apartments being constructed as part of the emerging £135 million Copr Bay development, Pobl Group is also behind several other major schemes in the city centre.
These schemes include the transformation of Orchard House into a mixed-used apartment, office and commercial premises, building on Swansea Council’s £12m improvement of The Kingsway into a far greener, more pedestrian-friendly environment.
Pobl Group will also be the residential partner for the ‘living building’ scheme on The Kingsway being delivered by Hacer Developments. Other Pobl-led schemes include the transformation of the former Russell House site in Swansea city centre into a five-storey block of apartments.
Claire Tristham, Pobl Group Director of Development (West), said: “At Pobl, placemaking is one of our key ambitions, and we are delighted to be a part of the positive changes that are currently under way in Swansea city centre.
“Developments such as Copr Bay emphasise the council’s commitment to address the accommodation needs of the region, and will provide much-needed affordable housing. The new homes are in a great location, close to the new coastal park, and will provide quality accommodation for the local community.
“Nearby, our refurbishment of Orchard House has radically improved the appearance of an important building in Swansea city centre, and we are delighted with how this transformation has breathed new life into a prominent landmark at the heart of the city.
“We look forward to continuing to successfully work in partnership with Swansea Council and the Welsh Government to work towards our mission of building truly sustainable homes and great places where people want to live.”
Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “We very much welcome the work that Pobl and other partners are carrying out to improve our core city centre by providing more homes, offices and commercial premises there for the people of Swansea.
“Supporting all the work the council is doing, this is part of a wider strategy of getting more people to live, work, study and enjoy in the new city centre to generate more footfall and spending which helps attract new shops and businesses as well as supporting existing businesses.
“The private sector has already provided extra student accommodation in the city centre, helping to protect family homes in other areas from being converted to HMOs, but the strategy on new homes is much wider. These developments will support the creation of more affordable, private and rental homes for residents in the new city centre.”
As well as the affordable apartments and 1.1-acre coastal park, Copr Bay phase one also includes the 3,500-capacity Swansea Arena, the landmark bridge over Oystermouth Road, spaces for leisure and hospitality businesses, and hundreds of new car parking spaces.
The Copr Bay phase one district is being developed by Swansea Council and advised by development manager RivingtonHark.
