More than 150 new homes, better links with the city centre and plenty of green spaces are among the plans set to transform a long-empty St Thomas riverside site into a vibrant community.
Swansea Council’s Cabinet has approved a stage-one proposal for the seven-acre site, which is on the eastern bank of the River Tawe just north of the river bridges.
As part of its 20-year strategic partnership with Swansea Council across seven city centre sites, regeneration specialist Urban Splash is also proposing new flexible space for leisure, retail or café use at the site, along with improved walking and cycling provision to better link the nearby community with the river.
The stage-one plans include:
- More than 150 homes (Half of which would be affordable housing)
- A mixture of apartments and townhouses
- A new six-storey landmark building with commercial space on the ground floor
- A central green street and shared garden space
- Over 3,600 square feet of mixed-use space for shop, café or leisure use
- Improved riverside walkways, safer crossings and cycle-friendly routes
Now it’s been approved by Cabinet more detailed proposals will be developed followed by the opportunity for public engagement to help shape a planning application.
Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “The River Tawe has always been at the heart of Swansea’s story – once powering our copper industry and shaping our communities.
“Large parts of the river corridor have been left behind for too long though, with sites like St Thomas riverside lying empty for many years.
“This project is about changing that to bring new homes, affordable housing, green public spaces and other facilities to the riverside.
“The scheme will help address the local demand for housing, while further reconnecting people with the Tawe and creating a thriving neighbourhood that builds on Swansea’s rich history.”
David Warburton, of Urban Splash, said: “We’re excited to be working with Swansea Council to bring new life to this unique riverside site.
“Our vision is to create a sustainable neighbourhood that feels part of the existing community, with high-quality homes, green spaces, and new routes for walking, cycling and enjoying the river.
“The next stage will involve detailed design work and conversations with local people, so together we can shape a development Swansea can be proud of.”
Urban Splash propose to deliver the scheme in a joint venture with Lovell, a partnership housing expert and leading provider of innovative residential construction and regeneration developments.
It’s also being proposed Pobl become the housing association partner that would support delivery of the majority of the affordable housing included within the scheme.
