Members of the public will soon have the chance to offer their views on exciting plans to regenerate the area around West Way and the western end of Oxford Street in Swansea city centre.
A Picton Lanes Initiative exhibition is being made available in the Grand Theatre from Monday November 9 to Friday November 20 where people will have the opportunity to submit their comments.
Swansea Council’s Cabinet has now backed a feasibility study that’s looking to develop an area along the lines of The Lanes in Brighton or Neal’s Yard in London’s Covent Gardens.
No decisions have been made and more comprehensive consultation will take place as individual schemes progress under the overall project.
The area subject to the study includes Plymouth Street, Nelson Street, Singleton Street, Lower Oxford Street, Shopper’s Walk, Picton Arcade and Westway between its junctions with Oxford Street and Singleton Street.
It’s proposed the existing former Oxford School site could potentially feature a mixed-use development with parking while street and building improvements are also being recommended across the study area.
The area already has a variety of specialist independent traders and the improvements proposed are looking to strengthen the area, maximise the benefits of its existing arcades and potentially create new opportunities.
A new public square could be also created with new cafes, shops and restaurants with a specific focus on enhancing the setting of the Grand Theatre and providing more facilities for theatre-goers.
Also key to the recommendations is the need for the development of a strong identity and promotional brand for the area.
Funding opportunities such as the Welsh Assembly Government’s Building Enhancement Programme could be pursued to help realise some of the goals for building enhancement.
The Picton Lanes Initiative feasibility study was commissioned by Swansea Council and The Welsh Assembly Government.
Cllr Chris Holley, Swansea Council Leader, said: “We’re working closely in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government to redevelop Swansea city centre and this scheme could lead to an area of special character that will further help Swansea stand out from the crowd.
“What’s been agreed so far is the overall principle of the Picton Lanes Initiative but this exhibition will give the public their first chance to offer their views and help to guide how this scheme will progress.
“We’ve already seen close to £4million spent on improving the appearance of the pedestrianised area and projects such as the new three-storey retail complex on Princess Way have come to fruition.
“This scheme is another chance to ensure Swansea city centre continues to improve and to build on its reputation as the regional shopping centre of south west Wales.”
A website with more information at www.swansea.gov.uk/pictonlanesinitiative is going live today (Wednesday November 4).
People can also email their comments on The Picton Lanes Initiative to [email protected]
