SWANSEA’S ongoing regeneration has served the city well since emerging from the pandemic, according to a business leader.
Lisa Hartley, Quadrant Shopping Centre Manger, says developments like Swansea Arena have raised the city centre’s profile while also attracting more visitors.
Developed by Swansea Council, the arena, run by Ambassador Theatre Group, is one feature of a city-wide regeneration programme worth over £1bn.
Other council-led projects include the ongoing construction of a modern, flexible office development for 600 workers in sectors like tech and digital at the former Oceana nightclub site on The Kingsway.
Plans are also in place for a revamped Castle Square Gardens, which is set to include lots more greenery, new outdoor seating areas, a new water feature and plenty of other features.
Lisa said: “As the city centre’s key shopping destination, we have already felt the benefits of Swansea Arena. It has pulled in thousands of visitors to the city, which has had a significant effect on our footfall within the Quadrant, especially following the difficult two years of the pandemic.
“We are particularly looking forward to experiencing the positive, knock-on effects of the residential and office developments taking place across Swansea. With more footfall, comes more businesses wanting to invest in the city, and more retailers wanting to have a presence within the centre. The continuous developments can only be positive for the region.”
Ben Davies, Managing Director of Belvoir Swansea, also feels encouraged by all the regeneration work that’s either complete, happening now or planned.
He said: “We are very excited by the ongoing developments taking place across Swansea. As an estate agency, this is a hugely exciting for us. As more developments like the arena continue to make Swansea a destination city, the more people will want to relocate here. This will have such a positive impact on the housing market and residential developers looking for new opportunities in the region.
“I believe that Swansea has so much untapped potential. I’ve lived overseas and have experienced many great cities, but have always thought that Swansea has the potential to be a truly incredible city. With increased investment, comes increased opportunities for people and businesses to thrive. I’m passionate about this changing landscape and looking forward to seeing the impact it will have on my business.”
Other council-led schemes include the ongoing conservation and transformation of The Palace Theatre and preservation and construction work at the Hafod Morfa Copperworks site, which have paved the way for Penderyn Distillery to open an operational distillery and visitor centre there in the coming months.
A public services hub is also planned for the former BHS building on Oxford Street.
