There is good news for Swansea’s city centre with the announcement that another independent business is setting up shop on the High Street.
Galerie Simpson is the latest addition to Coastal Housing’s £25m Urban Village scheme and is a new venture by local artist and print publisher Jane Simpson, supported by Swansea businessman Noah Redfern.
Jane Simpson, who has recently returned to live in the city after 25 years working in the international art world, said, “I am very excited to be back in Swansea and setting up my new business.
“With Galerie Simpson I want to bring something that reflects the experience I have gained in the art world along with my love of Wales and Swansea.
“I also want to present local and international artists on an equal stage.”
Opening in July, Galerie Simpson will offer prints, paintings, sculptures and literature for sale and display works by local artists alongside the published prints of Galerie Simpson and internationally renowned artists. The gallery will also host a variety of poetry/book readings and include a small library run by local book agent Jeff Towns.
Helen Jones, who is responsible for commercial lettings at Coastal Housing said, “We are delighted to welcome Jane Simpson to the Urban Village and believe Galerie Simpson will make a fantastic addition to High Street and give people another reason to visit the city centre.
“By attracting more small independent traders we hope to make High Street a vibrant place once more for people to visit, live and work.
“We wish Jane all the luck in her new venture and hope Galerie Simpson proves a great success.”
Galerie Simpson will join a number of businesses who have already made the Urban Village their home including the South Wales Evening Post, Mosaic bar and bistro, ‘Tickled’ children’s hairdresser, the Raspberry Cakery, Indycube and over 100 of Coastal Housing’s Swansea based staff.
Russell Greenslade, Chief Executive of Swansea BID, said, “It is great news that another business is opening in Swansea’s city centre and on High Street. Galerie Simpson will certainly add to the culture, vibrancy and offering of the area.”
The Urban Village is Coastal Housing’s flagship scheme for the regeneration of Swansea’s High Street. The first phase was completed in 2012 and comprises 76 flats for social rent and five floors of office and retail space.
Work is currently underway on the next phase of development with Coastal Housing looking to attract more creative start-ups to High Street.
The current phase will see the old warehouse on King’s Lane transformed into four floors of creative space, whilst work on the final phase, a dedicated work space for creative industries known as the Creative Cluster, will begin later in the year once planning has been finalised.
