Development of a new arena complex in the Welsh city of Swansea will progress this week as contractors begin work on the project’s northern site.
The work will result in a reduction in size for the temporary St Mary’s surface car park near St David’s car park, and the closure and subsequent removal of the old footbridge over Oystermouth Road.
From today (Monday), locals can take advantage of cut-price offers at the St David’s car park and on the Swansea Park and Ride service as work on the northern site gets underway. The deals have been assisted by Swansea BID and will be regularly reviewed to support shoppers and business during the construction process.
The measures taken today will allow work to begin on the new Golden Swan bridge, which will connect the city centre to the 3,500-seat Digital Arena. The arena will anchor the £135m (€158m/$177m) Swansea Central project.
Buckingham Group Contracting has already commenced construction work on the southern section of the project. Phase One of the project will result in the opening of nearly 1,000 new car parking spaces, new parkland, commercial and residential units.
Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said: “We’re on schedule with this work and have reached another significant moment for the digital arena project that will stimulate the transformation and success of Swansea city centre for generations to come.
“Buckingham Group Contracting moving right across the northern section shows that the project is gathering pace. This is a big deal for Swansea, and the momentum will build as out-of-ground construction gathers pace.
“I’m pleased we’ve been able to introduce our new car parking offers – as promised – to reduce costs for shoppers during the arena project’s major construction phase. We’ll keep reviewing such promotions to ensure they best support shoppers and businesses over the coming months.
“I thank the citizens of Swansea for their patience and understanding as the major regeneration people have wanted for some time gathers pace. It’s going to be a game-changer for the whole city. This is the start of a truly transformational project for Swansea and we know that thousands of local residents and visitors share our excitement at the job opportunities and other benefits it will bring.”
Main works on Swansea Central Phase One are due to be finished in 2021.
A £110m funding plan for the project was approved by the local authority back in November. The complex will also feature a digital square, 15 retail outlets and 36 apartments.
Image: Swansea City Council / AFL Architects
