Exciting plans to transform Swansea’s landmark Civic Centre building on the seafront have taken a major step forward.
Cabinet at Swansea Council has now given the green light for more work to take place to inform the detail of a planning application due for submission in the coming months.
Led by the council’s regeneration partners Urban Splash, plans include cafes, bars, shops, apartments, workspaces, and areas for leisure and events.
Proposals include 15 commercial units on the ground and lower ground floors, as well as around 140 apartments on the upper floors and the inclusion of an aquarium and a saltwater lido.
The redevelopment of the building itself is the first phase of the overall Civic Centre site’s regeneration.
Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “The Civic Centre sits on one of the most spectacular waterfront sites in the UK, but the building is now largely vacant following the successful move of services into the city centre.
“We want to see it transformed into a vibrant destination with new homes, independent businesses, leisure and community spaces that will benefit local people while attracting more visitors to Swansea.
“The building’s redevelopment is the first phase of a bigger vision for the overall Civic Centre site, which – once delivered – will further strengthen Swansea’s reputation as a leading waterfront destination.”
David Warburton, Development Director at Urban Splash, said: “We’re delighted to be leading the regeneration of the Civic Centre.
“It’s an extraordinary building in an unrivalled waterfront location, and we see enormous potential to create a place that people will want to live in, visit and spend time in.
“Our ambition is to sensitively repurpose the building, delivering high-quality homes alongside dynamic spaces for independent businesses, hospitality, leisure and community uses — creating activity throughout the day and into the evening.”
Many council services that were based at the Civic Centre have now moved to the Y Storfa community services hub on Oxford Street.
These include central library, the contact centre, revenues and benefits, and the West Glamorgan Archive Service.
