SHOPPERS and traders in one of Swansea city centre’s retail areas could soon benefit from a major environmental upgrade.
Plans would see new street surfacing, street furniture and signage introduced in the Lower Oxford Street retail area that includes Singleton Street, Dilwyn Street, Westway, Plymouth Street and part of Oxford Street.
The £2.2 million scheme is funded a part of a £20million package from the Welsh Assembly Government through the European Regional Development Fund. It includes £1.58m from the Welsh Assembly Government’s Strategic Regeneration Area (SRA) programme.
A slow speed and reduced traffic environment would be put in place on Singleton Street, Plymouth Street and part of Oxford Street to generate a more shopper-friendly area and better protect streets and buildings from damage.
Detailed design work is ongoing and people will have the chance to offer feedback on the plans in the autumn.
The scheme has been informed by Swansea Council’s Picton Lanes Initiative that recommended improvements be introduced to build on the Lower Oxford Street area’s reputation for individuality.
The scheme is one of a package of projects that could help Swansea become an iconic European waterfront city under the direction of the City Centre Strategic Framework- a document that will guide the regeneration of Swansea over the next 15 to 20 years. Other schemes would see a continental-style boulevard introduced along the main road between the Tawe river bridges and the LC and improvements to the footpath and cycleway between the Civic Centre and the former observatory building on the seafront.
The scheme is soon going to Swansea Council’s Cabinet for inclusion on a future works programme.
Cllr Chris Holley, Swansea Council Leader, said: “Millions of pounds have already been spent on environmental improvements in the pedestrianised area and this scheme would see traders and shoppers benefit from similar improvements in the Lower Oxford Street area.
“We’re working in close partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government and WEFO on this scheme and a number of other projects to further improve Swansea.
“Opportunities to offer views on plans will be available later in the autumn when detailed design proposals are ready.”
Cllr Gareth Sullivan, Swansea Council Cabinet Member for Economic and Strategic Development and Planning, said: “It’s our aim to make Swansea a distinctive European waterfront city and having a vibrant, mixed-use city centre is key to that goal.
“The Lower Oxford Street area is known for its mix of independent traders and this scheme would help develop the area’s sense of identity and create a more shopper-friendly environment.”
Jocelyn Davies AM, Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration, said: “I’m delighted that the Strategic Regeneration Area programme will contribute to improving Lower Oxford Street. It is an important part of the city centre and improving the external environment and pedestrian facilities will make the area much more pleasant to visit and will benefit both shoppers and independent businesses in an area that helps to make Swansea unique.”
Have a look at www.swansea.gov.uk/citycentrecoreupdate for more information.
