Plans to transform Swansea's civic centre into flats, shops, cafes and an aquarium have been submitted, but Wales Online readers are not entirely convinced by the ambitious proposals.
The seafront building could be converted to provide up to 138 one to three-bedroom flats, with commercial and leisure space across the ground and first floors. The proposals include an events space and a new aquarium featuring interactive displays, exhibitions and large fish tanks.
Key aims and government backing
A key aim is to open up the currently 'inward-facing' building and make better use of its position overlooking Swansea Bay. The seafront promenade would also be widened and improved. The £20m contribution from the UK Government is helping drive the project forward, with council development partner Urban Splash submitting the latest planning application following public consultation.
The civic centre was built in two phases between 1979 and 1984. Planning documents describe the four to six-storey building as sturdy but 'largely inward-looking', with its design likened to a castle surrounded by a moat. Urban Splash development director David Warburton said the company had listened to residents during consultations before submitting the detailed plans.
Reader reactions divided
The proposals have received support for retaining and reusing the existing building, improving links between the city centre and seafront and creating better green spaces. The proposed aquarium would offer visitors a series of interactive and educational spaces focused on marine life, with a gift shop, food outlets and other retail facilities also included.
Some of the new flats would have balconies, while residents would have access to a shared rooftop garden. Parking for residents is proposed on site and through managed use of the wider civic centre car park. However, there would be no dedicated parking for aquarium, cafe or shop visitors.
New cycle storage and a pedestrian route from the Oystermouth Road side of the site are also planned. The wider regeneration could eventually include hundreds more homes in new buildings around the civic centre, while a saltwater lido is also being considered below the stepped coastal wall.
Mr Warburton said the aim was to create something Swansea could be proud of for decades to come. Further public consultation will take place while council planning officers consider the application.
Commenter Adam R says: “People from Swansea complaining about having it, people from elsewhere complaining because they aren't having it! It's about time Swansea has some regeneration, it's well overdue!”
Misterangry replies: “I don’t understand why they don’t just knock it down and build what they actually want, rather than adapt an old building and risk uncovering the same problems found at the former Odeon and BHS sites. It would avoid the excessive cost overruns and ‘unforeseen’ problems we’ve become so used to.”
Charliefoxtrot retorts: “It’s this kind of thinking that leaves future generations wondering where all the old buildings went.”
Timothy O wonders: “As an old person, I find it strange that flats were once demolished because they had become ‘slums in the sky’ and living standards were poor. Out of town shopping and huge housing estates on the outskirts were then seen as the way forward. Now we’re being told flats and town centre living are the answer to rejuvenating our centres. Is it really progress, or are we just repeating history with some pretty drawings?”
Andrew C replies: “Out of town shopping areas have aided the decline of our town and city centres, not just in Wales but across the UK. People are now up in arms that our town centres are half full of vape, card and charity shops and so our elected folk are trying to reverse the problem. Online shopping continues to grow and out of town shopping remains more accessible than town. We're reaping what we've sowed.”
Andrea D writes: “I think the main priority should be a beautiful swimming pool that families from all areas can easily access, especially with free buses. Families are struggling enough without being encouraged to spend more on aquariums and gift shops. Blackpill Lido is free and very popular, although it’s difficult to reach by bus. We don’t need an expensive aquarium and gift shop, we need affordable facilities families can actually use.”
Staffy.lover says: “It could really be such a nice and well needed attraction, but it probably will never happen because as Dylan said Swansea is the Graveyard of Ambition.”
Julie B writes: “We need more decent clothes shops. There’s hardly anything left in Swansea now, which makes it not worth the trip into town. It’s really sad to see the choice disappearing when people want somewhere local to shop rather than having to go to out of town retail parks or order everything online.”
Mr_blue_sky thinks: “Get it approved, get the work started and actually get it done. People have been talking about improvements for long enough. It’s time to stop going round in circles and deliver something the community can actually use and be proud of.”
Jan C agrees: “We’ll see if it actually comes to fruition. It’s easy enough to make big promises and announce grand plans, but we’ve heard it all before. Just look at the tidal barrage, we’re still waiting. Hopefully this time something actually gets delivered rather than another project that spends years being talked about and never gets off the ground.”
