**Exciting Addition to Swansea City Centre: New Cafe and Ethiopian Restaurant on the Horizon**
A new cafe and Ethiopian restaurant are set to grace the bustling streets of Swansea city centre, bringing a unique culinary experience for locals and visitors alike. The former Lee Mill Fabrics shop, located on Oxford Street near the junction with Dillwyn Street, will undergo a transformation to accommodate this exciting venture.
The proposed establishment will operate as a cafe during the day, offering a welcoming space for patrons to enjoy their favourite brews, and will transition into an authentic Ethiopian restaurant in the evening, promising a taste of the exotic for food enthusiasts. The premises will feature seating on the ground floor, alongside a well-equipped kitchen and office space, with additional seating and restroom facilities on the upper level.
Following a thorough assessment, Swansea Council planning officers granted approval for the change of use from retail to food and beverage, citing the importance of filling vacant shop units within city centres. The decision was based on the recognition of the long-standing issue of empty shops along Oxford Street’s lower section, with a specific emphasis on revitalising these spaces to enhance the overall vibrancy of the area.
Andrew Douglas, manager of the Swansea Bid business group, expressed enthusiasm for the new development, highlighting its potential to breathe new life into previously vacant premises and contribute to the diverse culinary landscape of the city. The addition of this cafe-restaurant hybrid is welcomed as a positive step towards enriching Swansea’s food scene and fostering a dynamic city centre environment.
Nik Dosanjh, owner of the neighbouring vintage shop, Hobo’s, echoed these sentiments, emphasising the importance of active occupancy in commercial spaces to maintain a thriving community. The evolution of the former Lee Mill Fabrics shop into a bustling cafe and restaurant establishment reflects a growing trend towards adaptive reuse of retail spaces to meet changing consumer demands.
Amidst challenges faced by retailers due to financial pressures and rising vacancy rates in town and city centres, the Welsh Government has encouraged a flexible approach towards commercial developments. The integration of cafes and restaurants within retail districts is seen as a strategic move to sustain footfall and promote local economic growth, in line with evolving consumer preferences.
As the cafe and restaurant prepare to open their doors, certain planning conditions, such as operational hours between 8am and 11pm, have been imposed to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines. The careful planning and execution of this new venture underscore a commitment to enhancing Swansea’s cultural and gastronomic offerings, setting the stage for an exciting chapter in the city’s culinary evolution.