Agenda, decisions and minutes

www.swansea.gov.uk/disclosuresofinterests

 

In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City & County of Swansea, no interests were declared.

To approve & sign the Minutes of the previous meeting(s) as a correct record.

Resolved that the Minutes of the Economy and Infrastructure Corporate Development Committee held on 26 January 2023 be approved and signed as a correct record.

The Principal Regeneration Manager referred to the report presented to the Economy and Infrastructure Corporate Delivery Committee (CDC) in December 2022 which set out the planning policy context for the Tawe Riverside and Hafod Morfa strategic development area and reflected on the work undertaken on a draft Tawe Riverside Strategy (2019).  Whilst the draft Strategy document had informally guided development and investment in the area, it was agreed that a further report would be brought back to CDC during the Spring of 2023 to consider priorities, funding opportunities, deliverability and next steps with regard to longer term actions.  

 

Projects identified in the draft Tawe Riverside Strategy were included in the successful 2023 Lower Swansea Valley Levelling Up bid. This second update report therefore outlines the key projects included in that funding bid, along with progress to date with other regeneration schemes in the Tawe Riverside corridor. The report is intended to be an interim report with a fuller review of actions and programmes in due course and at a date to be agreed.

 

The Principal Regeneration Manager assisted by the Economic Development and External Funding Manager presented images and plans in respect of:

 

·       Tawe Riverside Strategic Regeneration Area.

·       Lower Swansea Valley Levelling Up Fund Bid 2023 (Projects 1, 2 and 3).

·       Project 1A Hafod Morfa Copperworks: Rolling Mill.

·       Project 1B The Laboratory.

·       Project 1C Musgrove and Vivian Engine Houses.

·       Project 2 Community and Water space Accessibility.

·       New pontoons at Morfa and Morfa Road/Riverfront.

·       Project 2 Strand Arches.

·       Project 3 Swansea Museum.

 

The Economic Development and External Funding Manager referred to timescales and detailed the benefits for the City as a result of the Levelling Up bid.

 

The Principal Regeneration Manager detailed the Hafod Morfa Copperworks wider programme which included the Skyline Luge Leisure Proposal, the River Pontoon, Morfa Road Regeneration Area and Riverside Walkway, Lower Swansea Valley and Hafod Morfa Heritage Trails.

 

She stated that the Levelling Up funding would be a significant boost to support the next stages of regeneration for a number of projects along the river corridor. Those projects would act as a catalyst for development and further regeneration in due course as we work towards the objective of delivering a new destination for Swansea’s riverside waterfront.

 

        In terms of next stages for the projects identified in the Levelling Up bid, resources would be allocated to work up designs and feasibility where required and programmes developed to secure delivery. These were substantial areas of work with a programmed end date of 31 March 2025.

 

Further work were required to develop and refine the Masterplan for Hafod Morfa Copperworks, to respond to the outputs from technical studies and incorporate a number of development requirements which were emerging for the site. The Council would continue to work with Skyline Luge and Urban Splash to ensure the scheme aligns with strategic planning and placemaking objectives and responds to planned consultation and feedback from stakeholders and communities.

 

        A number of further projects were identified in the draft Tawe Riverside Strategy (2019) which could be explored further, and there may be other new initiatives which could be added to these proposals and actions. However, there would be resourcing and funding issues, which would require detailed consideration of prevailing priorities for the Regeneration and External Funding Team who would lead on the delivery on a number of these alongside the commitments that will emerge from the recent Levelling Up funding bid approval.

 

        A further report would be brought to the CDC later this Spring to evaluate the scope for further projects and report back on progress with the LSV Levelling up projects and regeneration of key sites.

 

Member discussions focussed on:

 

·      West Riverside Walk - work is ongoing in relation to site investigation feasibility work, designs,  potential planning permission, funding (including Section 106) with tenders and construction towards the end of next of year.  Officers to provide a progress update to the Committee in due course.

·      Riverside Walkway/nature trial walks consultation/engagement with of local interest groups and schools.

·      Potential revenue generation as a result of letting commercial space within the proposed buildings.

·      Funding in respect of the Skyline Scheme.

·      The sensitive extension of storage facilities and exhibition space within Swansea Museum to ensure the building retains its original charm.

·      Opportunities for local interest groups to take on renovation projects for pieces of equipment currently in storage (e.g. locomotive engines etc). 

 

The Chair thanked Officers for their informative presentation.

 

Resolved that:

 

·       the report be noted; and

·       Officers develop an action plan in terms of future priorities/improvements and grant opportunities.

 

The Chair introduced the ‘for information’ Economy & Infrastructure CDC Work Plan 2022-2023.

 

The topics for discussion at the following meeting were noted:-

 

·       23 March 2023 – Introduction to Swansea Bay Strategy.