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Project Update Report PDF 1 MB
Robert Francis-Davies – Cabinet Member for Investment
Regeneration and Tourism
Phil Holmes – Head of Planning and City Regeneration
Huw Mowbray – Property Development Manager
Minutes:
Huw Mowbray,
Development and Physical Regeneration Strategic Manager, updated the Panel on
the regeneration projects in Swansea.
The Cabinet Member for Investment Regeneration and Tourism, Cllr Robert
Francis-Davies, and Phil Holmes, Head of Planning and City Regeneration, also
attended for this item.
Main discussions
focused on the following:
Copr Bay – Phase 1
- Some minor delays, although proceeding
well, taking account of delays in material supplies and labour.
- Residential block is being fully fitted
out and nearing completion.
- Coastal parkland / landscaping
progressing prior to greening. Water play additions being
worked on.
- The Bridge – finishing touches to floor
and railings. Members queried whether visual handicap groups have been consulted. Officers confirmed consultations
had taken place and tapping rails would be in place to help guide users.
- The Hotel – Officers are looking at
options to move funding forward. Members queried whether this would be
through a UK based company. Officers confirmed that the current preferred
operator is a top brand, with international links. Officers continue to
discuss options regarding the funding with Visit Wales.
- Officers explained that the Hotel
development would be constructed with access
alongside the Arena, having been designed to provide works access when
needed.
- Council colleagues dealing with
operational / budget aspects to maintain standards of architectural and
landscaping works.
- Officers outlined that leasing is progressing
well, all units are under offer and officers are close to finalising legal
agreements for the Pavilion operator. Members questioned whether these
would be local companies. Officers confirmed that all Council-let units
would be local businesses, as purposely did not target national operators.
- Members asked for further information
regarding the type of operators who would be leasing units. Officers
confirmed food/beverage operators from the local area have been involved.
- Heritage panel will provide protection
for residents in Marina area.
- Areas of low and high-density LED bulbs,
which can be switched off if necessary.
- Members queried the maintenance of the
LED bulbs and who will be responsible for maintenance. Officers confirmed
this is in the business plan and the management responsibility for the
external façade is the Council’s.
Swansea Central
North:
- The Government Property Agency is
looking into hubs, having identified a number of bodies who may wish to
occupy.
- Members queried where exactly the hub
would be located. Officers explained this would be next to the
multi-storey car park.
- Members asked whether the jobs would be
new or relocated. Officers explained that some jobs may move, and some
would be completely new. Officers suggested this would also benefit the
City Centre by bringing a critical mass of employees into the city centre.
Wind Street
- Officers explained that discussions have
taken place with key traders, although meetings in general not well attended,
despite the Council’s best attempts to engage traders.
- Most of paving has been
re-laid/replaced.
- Street furniture to go in, and landscaping elements progressing.
- Hospitably lay out has now been agreed,
in terms of adjacent seating areas, as agreed between consultation groups.
- Members discussed the use of information
trails and QR codes throughout the area, as a useful source of visitor
information.
Shaping Swansea
- Bids have been
received and assessed, cabinet report to be presented on 15 July to
outline preferred options.
- CADW meeting with officers due
imminently to discuss listed buildings.
- Officers outlined the 3
stages to the competitive dialogue process, included invitation to tender,
shortlisting, and invitation for final tender, together with scoring
mechanisms. Officers outlined that throughout this process the Council
sets the aims and objectives to potential bidders.
- Any preferred development partner would
be involved in a number of different sites across Swansea.
Repurposing Swansea
- Coming to a conclusion, officers are producing a report for
cabinet in September.
Palace Theatre
- Planning and listed building consent in
place.
- Film company
likely to record the regeneration of the Palace.
- Awaiting analysis of contractor bids.
Powerhouse &
Outbuildings
- Two weeks extension of time granted.
October completion date remains on course.
- Project Bank Account (PBA) now in place.
- Gas and water easements being resolved.
- Members queried timescale on Penderyn Whisky fit out.
- The Council have submitted a levelling
up application to UK Government, if successful,
some funding would be allocated to this project to help move forward.
Strategic Sites
- Skyline – remain in discussions.
Officers are hopeful progress will continue and are positive about
outlook.
- Felindre – Panel remarked on the
long-term marketing of the site. Officers explained that speculative
enquires are regularly made, however officers have also considered a
possible option of a speculative build project for the future.
Tawe Riverside
Corridor
- Bascule Bridge – members queried whether
cost was covered by a grant. Officers confirmed there have been an
escalation of costs and that a discussion in ongoing.
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