‘We can be proud of our city centre that’s emerging’ – Swansea business leaders

Juliet Luporini and Russell Greenslade, of the Swansea Business Improvement District (BID), say the number of projects either complete, under way or planned is giving confidence to local businesses, shoppers and investors.

The £135 million Copr Bay phase one development is among those being led by Swansea Council. With construction due for completion this autumn, the district includes the 3,500-capacity Swansea Arena, a 1.1-acre coastal park, new homes, car parking and space for hospitality businesses.

A transformation of Wind Street into a more family-friendly destination is also making progress, following-on from a transformation of The Kingsway into a far greener, more pleasant environment for residents and businesses.

Plans are also in place for a greener Castle Square.

Juliet, Chair of the BID, said: “The Copr Bay development, the transformation of The Kingsway, the development of new student accommodation and the improvements to Wind Street are all very visible and hard-to-miss evidence of Swansea’s bright future.

“These projects show an unprecedented level of investment in our city centre and they instil confidence in investors, consumers and businesses.

“We know our BID area businesses are putting their heart and souls into their firms and their city centre at this difficult time, and it is clear that Swansea Council and their developer partners are more than meeting them halfway. This is a good time to be part of Swansea city centre.”

Russell, Swansea BID Chief Executive, said: “Seeing the regeneration of Swansea city centre advancing and taking shape in such a speedy and confident way has given Swansea city centre businesses real hope that our city centre has a bright future ahead, despite the difficult times we are emerging from.

“Swansea Council and their partner developers are to be congratulated for pressing ahead with these developments during this critical time for all town and city centres.

“Every business in Britain is operating in fast-changing times and all stakeholders, including Swansea BID, are working hard to meet these challenges with a robust plan in place and with an eye to what our city centres need to offer in the future, not what consumers and investors wanted in the past.

“I think we can be very proud of the city centre that is emerging.”

Other projects soon on site in Swansea city centre include the construction of a high-tech office development at 71/72 The Kingsway, which will be provide space for 600 jobs once finished.

A temporary scheme is also planned for the St David’s Shopping Centre site, pending its regeneration in the longer-term. The temporary scheme will include a pop-up park and flexible container units for local food and drink start-up businesses.