Redevelopment of Swansea’s Vetch Field has taken a major step forward thanks to £700,000 worth of funding for demolition and landscaping work at the old football ground.
Demolition will help pave the way for the development of affordable housing and green space which were identified by the local community as two key two priorities in a consultation exercise undertaken by Swansea Council.
Any future income from the site will result in the funding approved being repaid to the Welsh Assembly Government so it will be available for other projects in future.
The funding package for the demolition will now go to Swansea Council’s Cabinet for their backing.
Jocelyn Davies AM, Welsh Assembly Government Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration, said: “Although the demolition of the Vetch will be a sad day for some, the site has effectively been derelict since the Swans moved to their fantastic new home at the Liberty Stadium.
“The cost of demolishing of the site has so far prevented the land from being used for much-needed affordable housing and green space in the area so I’m delighted this funding will mark the first step in creating vital new amenities.
“Regeneration is all about making the most of what an area has to offer and working with local communities to identify and work on their priorities. The site is in a prime location to provide exactly what the community has asked for. This is an excellent example of how we are working with Swansea Council to deliver results for the people of Swansea.”
Cllr Chris Holley, Swansea Council Leader, said: “This is hugely encouraging news because the Vetch Field site has been dormant for several years and demolition will help start the redevelopment process.
“The Vetch has a proud history but the time has come to look to the future and, if the funding is backed by Cabinet, this will be a big step in the right direction.”
Cllr Gareth Sullivan, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Planning, said: “It’s long been our ambition to redevelop the Vetch site and this funding means we can work with our partners at the Welsh Assembly Government to regenerate a key location close to Swansea city centre.”
The funding is part of a package from the Swansea Regeneration Area (SRA) programme worth over £1.2 million which will also see investment in energy-efficiency measures being provided for houses in the Hafod Housing Renewal Area and the upgrading of a number of parks and play areas. These will include facilities in Clase, Mayhill, Parc Llewellyn and Cwmrhydyceirw.
This funding is in addition to more than £3million of funding from the Swansea Regeneration Area programme for projects in the city centre and the waterfront area which was announced earlier in the summer.
