£1bn makeover plan for Swansea

A massive £1bn plan to transform Dylan Thomas' "ugly, lovely town" into a striking "waterfront city" has been unveiled to property developers and land agents from across Britain at the launch of Swansea’s City Centre Strategic Framework.

At the launch, major development opportunities at three key locations in the heart of the city were unveiled. They include a proposed new riverside square fronting the Dylan Thomas Centre. Cafes, bars, waterside apartments, shops and restaurants overlooking a new piazza; and close by a mix of boutiques, brasseries and public space is envisaged.

In addition the development will include a pedestrianised square in front of the Grand Theatre plus modern shopping facilities. The new city centre development areas will tie in with the fast growing SA1 development on the east bank of the River Tawe.

The framework was officially launched by Welsh Assembly Government, Enterprise Minister Andrew Davies and council leader Chris Holley.

Mr Holley said, “There is a growing confidence about Swansea and this really is Swansea’s time to attract new investment.

Other features of the strategy include promoting new shopping developments and enhancing specialist shops and entertainment. New commercial and residential developments are also planned to create a more attractive location and boost its day and night-time economies.