A new chapter of development in Swansea city centre has been given the green light with the approval of a five-storey public sector hub. This new building will feature commercial space on the ground floor and offices on the upper four floors. Situated at the site of the former St David’s shopping centre between Oystermouth Road and St Mary’s Church, the hub will be just the beginning, with plans for additional buildings including shops, restaurants, flats, and parking spaces in the pipeline.
Swansea Council’s planning committee gave the green light to the detailed plans for the hub on November 5th. Designed as a wedge-shaped structure, the building will replace a temporary lawn at the demolished shopping centre and will boast a water-retaining roof adorned with greenery. Shed KM architects’ Alex Flint described the latest design as lighter and more sophisticated following various iterations.
This project is part of the larger Swansea Central scheme, a collaborative effort between Swansea Council and development partner Urban Splash. Urban Splash has been tasked not only with the redevelopment of the former St David’s shopping centre site but also the Civic Centre site and five other plots in or near the city centre. David Warburton, Urban Splash’s lead director for Swansea, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work in such a vibrant city and praised the hub for its high quality and sustainability features.
During the committee meeting, concerns were raised about potential issues like glare and overheating due to the building’s design. However, reassurances were given that measures such as special window coatings and operable windows were in place to address these concerns. Additionally, the drainage plan for surface water run-off raised questions, with the council confirming that Welsh Water had not objected as long as the necessary planning conditions were met.
Upon approval of the application, it was disclosed that the upper floors of the hub would house staff from the public sector, paving the way for the redevelopment of the seafront Civic Centre site. Construction on the hub is slated to commence in 2025, marking a significant step towards revitalising Swansea city centre. Council leader Rob Stewart highlighted the positive impact of the public sector hub in attracting footfall to the city centre, benefitting local businesses and attracting further investments.
As part of the Swansea Central project, St David’s Priory Church will be preserved, adding to the historical and cultural significance of the redevelopment. With the green light given for the first phase, residents and stakeholders can look forward to a renewed city centre that blends modern amenities with the city’s rich heritage.