Plans for a new riverside neighbourhood in St Thomas that would deliver 124 new homes, including 50% affordable housing, are set to go on public display later this month.
The proposals cover a seven acre site on the eastern bank of the River Tawe, just north of the river bridges, and are being brought forward by Swansea Council’s regeneration partner Urban Splash, working with housing partnership specialist Lovell and housing, care and support provider Codi Group.
The plans include a mix of houses and apartments, with the majority of the affordable homes expected to be managed by Codi Group.
They also feature improved walking and cycling links, connected public open spaces that better connect the community with the River Tawe, and flexible retail or leisure space on the ground floor of a gateway apartment building.
The aim is to create a green and sustainable riverside neighbourhood while transforming a long vacant site.
Residents are being invited to help shape the proposals at two public consultation events:
- Wednesday 12 August, Y Storfa, Oxford Street, from 12.30pm to 6.30pm
- Thursday 13 August, St Thomas Church, Lewis Street, from 10.30am to 4.30pm
An online consultation website, where people will be able to view the proposals and submit feedback, will also be launched in the coming weeks.
Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said: “Providing more affordable homes is one of our biggest priorities, and these proposals show how we can do that while transforming a long-vacant riverside site into a vibrant new neighbourhood.
“This is about creating homes local people can afford in a place that reconnects St Thomas with the River Tawe, and I encourage residents to come along to the consultation events or head online to help shape the plans.”
David Warburton, of Urban Splash, said: “We’re looking forward to sharing these proposals with the community.
“They set out a vision for a sustainable new neighbourhood that delivers much-needed homes while creating greener public spaces, opening up the riverfront and providing new opportunities for people to live, work and spend time by the River Tawe.”
Anthony Vagges, Regional Managing Director of Lovell, added: “We’re proud to be working with Urban Splash and Swansea Council to bring forward a scheme that puts people and place first. Creating high-quality homes, including a 50% affordable housing provision, with open green spaces and improved waterfront access, this development will create new opportunities for local families and businesses while respecting the character of St Thomas.”
The proposals follow a recent public consultation on Swansea’s Civic Centre, with Urban Splash continuing work on its wider City Waterfront concept. The vision includes ground floor cafés and bars, beach sports retail, new apartments, cultural spaces, a leading edge aquarium and flexible event space.
The St Thomas site, formerly occupied by railway sidings, is one of seven key regeneration sites being delivered through the long term partnership between Swansea Council and Urban Splash as part of the wider City on the Beach vision.
