**Breathtaking Views Unveiled as Swansea’s Latest Skyscraper Rises Above the City**
Swansea’s skyline is undergoing a dramatic transformation with the construction of its latest skyscraper, a development that promises to set new standards for urban living and sustainability in the heart of the city. Newly released footage from Swansea Council offers the public a glimpse into both the panoramic vistas and innovative design features of this striking new addition, which is well on its way to completion.
Located at the historic former Woolworths site, between Oxford Street and The Kingsway, the 12-storey structure is the centrepiece of an ambitious urban regeneration project led by Hacer Developments, a Swansea-based company. The scheme is funded through a mix of private investment, support from the Welsh Government’s Innovative Housing Programme, the social housing provider Pobl, and backing from the Development Bank of Wales.
What sets this building apart is its strong commitment to environmental sustainability, embodied in a biophilic design ethos that seeks to connect residents and workers to nature, even within a bustling city centre. According to Hacer Developments, biophilia – people’s innate affinity for the natural world – is at the very core of the building’s architecture, aiming to reintroduce greenery and natural systems into an urban environment.
Upon completion, the building will not only change Swansea’s silhouette but will also offer an array of amenities catering to modern lifestyles. The lower levels are set to house nearly 32,000 square feet of commercial floor space, providing opportunities for retail outlets and local businesses. Above these, nine floors will be dedicated to 50 contemporary apartments managed by Pobl, offering new residential options in central Swansea. The building will accommodate up to 500 occupants and is expected to generate new employment as well as vital inner-city housing.
Among the standout features of the development are its urban greenhouse, spread across four floors, alongside a rooftop garden, wildflower borders, and green communal spaces. An educational facility with an innovative aquaponic system, sustainable drainage measures, and a bio-solar roof with ambient loop heating all underpin the project’s sustainable credentials. The building makes full use of solar panels and an air source heating system that is projected to consume five times less energy than traditional gas-powered equivalents.
A recent council-released video showcases the ongoing construction, providing sweeping views over Swansea Bay and much of the central district—vistas soon to be enjoyed by incoming residents and businesses. The fresh footage also highlights the green infrastructure that is fast becoming a hallmark of the city’s regeneration efforts.
Carwyn Davies, managing director of Hacer Developments, emphasised the profound changes afoot in Swansea: “These are unprecedented times for Swansea city centre, with significant investment from the council, Welsh Government, and private sector. The aim is to revitalise the city by encouraging more people to live and work here, which, in turn, supports businesses and attracts even more enterprise.”
He added, “Our biophilic design is not merely about aesthetics; it’s about fostering physical and mental wellbeing by bringing nature into people’s homes and workplaces. Moreover, the renewable energy systems we’ve implemented will help Swansea reduce its carbon footprint and play its part in combating climate change.”
This project forms a key element of Swansea’s wider £1 billion transformation, an ongoing programme that has already seen major restorations and new developments. Recent landmarks include the extensive refurbishments of the Albert Hall, which now boasts a food hall, visitor accommodation, and a rooftop garden, and the Palace Theatre, which has been reborn as a business and cultural hub.
Council leader Rob Stewart championed the “groundbreaking” nature of the living building scheme, stating, “Regeneration on this scale is about much more than bricks and mortar. It’s about creating new jobs and opportunities, supporting businesses, and raising Swansea’s national profile. With projects like this, we’re making Swansea a city fit for the future.”
As construction accelerates towards its expected completion later this summer, anticipation is building among residents and businesses alike. In addition to this skyscraper, the city’s redevelopment pipeline remains strong, with ongoing projects such as the new ‘Y Storfa’ community services hub and the planned transformation of Castle Square into a greener, more welcoming civic space.
Swansea’s latest skyscraper stands not just as a symbol of architectural ambition, but as a bold step towards more sustainable and vibrant city living. With completion just months away, the excitement is palpable — and the vistas from the top floor are likely to become some of the city’s most sought-after views.