Swansea High Street shops are left vacant after the council spends £313,000 on refurbishments. The council’s initiative to renovate a row of worn-out shops at the top of High Street has not resulted in the anticipated bustling activity. Despite initial excitement and community involvement, only four out of six refurbished units have seen occupancy, with the remaining two sitting empty.
The refurbishment project, costing £313,170, aimed to breathe new life into the area and create spaces for community engagement and local businesses. However, challenges such as Covid-19 restrictions and water damage to two of the shops have impacted the success of the initiative. The council is currently in talks with potential operators to bring more activity to the area, including the possibility of a community cafe.
While some units are being utilised as community spaces, others remain unoccupied. One optimistic note is the council’s plan to occupy these vacant units during upcoming refurbishments nearby. With ongoing investments in the High Street area, including the renovation of the Palace Theatre and upgrades to council flats, there is hope that foot traffic will increase in the future.
Councillor David Phillips, representing the city centre ward, remains positive about the potential of these shops, especially with the impending reopening of the Palace Theatre. The council’s efforts to revitalise Swansea’s High Street align with broader plans for regeneration and growth in the area.
As the community looks towards a brighter future for these high street shops, continued collaboration between the council and local businesses will be crucial in attracting more activity and footfall to the area. With further developments on the horizon, there is optimism that these empty units will soon find new life and purpose in the heart of Swansea.