Dated blocks of flats near Swansea’s High Street are undergoing a significant transformation by Swansea Council. The refurbishment project on Croft Street is set to take approximately 18 months to complete. The investment includes upgrading high-rise and low-rise council flats, installing new kitchens, bathrooms, fire sprinklers, weather-proof cladding for improved energy efficiency, and new security systems.
Residents will benefit from the modernisation, with one tenant expressing excitement about the upcoming changes, including new windows. Another tenant welcomed the investment, seeing it as a positive step. The project will also encompass new landscaping, the refurbishment of retail units facing High Street, and the retention of garages on Croft Street.
After successfully refurbishing high-rise flats in Matthew Street, Swansea Council plans to proceed with upgrading other blocks on Griffin John Street post the completion of Croft Street. Cllr Andrea Lewis, the joint deputy leader and cabinet member for service transformation, highlighted the council’s commitment to enhancing housing quality standards, with approximately £500 million already invested over the past decade.
Funding for these improvements comes from tenants’ rent and Welsh Government grants, not council tax. Cllr Lewis indicated further investment of £250 million over the next five years to enhance existing homes and construct more energy-efficient properties, bolstering the supply of council housing across the city. The council aims to minimise disruptions for tenants during the renovation process, ensuring residents are kept informed of the progress at each stage.
The ongoing efforts demonstrate Swansea Council’s dedication to modernising its housing stock and providing improved living conditions for its residents. The revitalisation of Croft Street signifies a step towards ensuring a more comfortable and sustainable environment for the community, aligning with the council’s long-term housing strategy.