A stunning tree-lined boulevard at a key gateway into the city and better walking and cycling facilities than ever before are among the multi-million pound schemes set to transform Swansea into one of Europe’s leading waterfront cities.
A package of plans set for approval will create better links between Swansea city centre and the waterfront and provide a more attractive and pedestrian-friendly environment.
The plans include a continental-style boulevard introduced from the Tawe bridges to the LC and a major environmental upgrade of the Lower Oxford Street retail area.
Works could also see the footpath and cycleway between the Civic Centre and the former observatory building on the seafront improved.
The projects are funded as part of a £20 million package from the Welsh Assembly Government through the European Regional Development Fund. It includes £3.22million from the Welsh Assembly Government’s Strategic Regeneration Area (SRA) programme and an investment from Swansea Council.
Detailed design work for each scheme is ongoing and the chance to offer feedback will be made available at exhibitions in the early autumn.
Each of the three schemes is soon going to Swansea Council’s Cabinet for possible inclusion on a future works programme.
Cllr Chris Holley, Swansea Council Leader, said: “We’re blessed to have a stunning location on a magnificent bay and these schemes will help capitalise on this and develop Swansea into an iconic European city.
“One of the issues we have to address if we’re to meet this aim is to improve the route into the city centre from the Tawe bridges and to ensure the main road isn’t a barrier between the city centre and the waterfront. “This is why the boulevard scheme is being designed to allow smoother traffic flow and generate better links for pedestrians and cyclists passing back and forth from the Maritime Quarter and SA1 to the city centre shops.
“It’s also important to enhance the appearance of the Lower Oxford Street retail area. We’ve all seen the benefits of introducing new surfacing, seating and street trees in the heart of the pedestrianised shopping area and this funding means we can now introduce similar improvements elsewhere in the city centre. This will give shoppers and traders a more pleasant environment.”
Cllr Gareth Sullivan, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic and Strategic Development and Planning, said: “We’re pleased to be working so closely in partnership alongside the Welsh Assembly Government on a package of schemes that will further raise Swansea’s profile across the UK and beyond.
“Feedback about the improvements already made to the footpath and cycleway between the Tawe bridges and Swansea Yacht Club along the riverfront has been most encouraging. This is why the Authority wants to extend the scheme along the coast and further improve an already terrific facility.”
Jocelyn Davies AM, Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration, said: “Regeneration is all about making the most of what and area has to offer, whether that is its natural landscape, its businesses or its leisure facilities. “I’m delighted that these projects will do all three for Swansea.
“The city is blessed with a beautiful coastline very close to the city centre, so ensuring that the two areas are attractive and that the links between the two are pleasant and easy to use will encourage locals and those from further afield to spend time in the city.”
Have a look at www.swanseacitycentre.com for more information.
