These exciting new images give a first look at a major office development that’s being planned for Swansea city centre.
The proposed office development will be home to the new public sector hub, which is being considered for a site in the area of the former St David’s Shopping Centre.
Crucially, the public sector hub will also enable the redevelopment of the Civic Centre. The plan is for hundreds of council staff to be located at the public sector hub, as well as workers from other public sector organisations.
The development will follow on from the delivery of other major schemes. These include Swansea Arena, finishing works at the Copr Bay development, the Y Storfa community services hub at the former BHS building, a revamp of Castle Square, and the new office scheme taking shape at 71/72 Kingsway.
No council staff will be located at 71/72 Kingsway. That development will accommodate private sector businesses and discussions with a number of potential tenants are at an advanced stage.
The public sector hub is due to be delivered by Swansea Council in partnership with its regeneration partners Urban Splash as part of a broader transformation of the overall site.
Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “We know how important Swansea city centre is for local people and local businesses, which why a £1bn regeneration programme is unfolding there to create jobs, support businesses and boost our economy.
“We also know that footfall is a key challenge for the city centre if it’s to attract more shops and other businesses, so the proposed public sector hub will help meet that challenge by locating hundreds more office jobs there.
“This will generate more spending in city centre businesses, helping to protect existing jobs and create new jobs for local people.
“Our plans to redevelop the Civic Centre site mean there’s demand for a new office building of this kind, which will form part of a new city centre district that will also include lots of greenery and public spaces.
“The council’s overall vision for the city centre is to create a far more visually appealing and vibrant destination where shops will want to open up because more people there means more spending.
“Further major city centre news will be announced in the coming weeks.”
Urban Splash development director David Warburton said: “The exciting plans to transform this important area of Swansea city centre will ensure that this great Welsh city has a thriving future ahead.
“We’re enjoying working in partnership with Swansea Council, to develop ideas that we are confident will revitalise this underused central location.
“We’re committed for the long term, and this new best-in-class office development represents the first steps in our 20-year strategic partnership with Swansea Council and our shared vision to deliver real change that benefits local people, businesses and visitors alike – all while encouraging sustainable growth.”
The public sector hub scheme is due to be considered by the council’s cabinet later this month.
If approved there, consultation is expected in August to give people the chance to offer their feedback on the plans.
