Tidal lagoon support is ‘hugely significant’ for Swansea

HIGH level support for the world’s first tidal lagoon scheme in Swansea Bay will help lead to a ‘golden year’ for the city, according to Swansea Council’s Leader.

Cllr Rob Stewart says Chancellor George Osborne’s Budget announcement about the innovative proposal could be hugely significant for Swansea’s economy in years to come.

The Chancellor said discussions will now start in earnest, which will help take the £1 billion proposal a step closer to fruition.

His announcement comes within months of the UK Government including the project in its National Infrastructure Plan.

Cllr Stewart said: “The support the tidal lagoon project proposed for Swansea Bay is getting from the UK Government is hugely significant. This is a project that will help transform the Swansea Bay City Region’s economy and put Swansea on the map as an exemplar for renewable energy production. It could also generate many hundreds of jobs for local people and further raise Swansea’s profile across the planet as a forward-thinking city of innovation. This isn’t just new technology for Swansea and the UK – it’s a world first that’s being proposed right on our doorstep.

“The Chancellor’s announcement further supports what’s already set to be a golden year for Swansea. The Swansea University second campus is under construction off Fabian Way, the University of Wales Trinity St David has announced plans to regenerate the SA1 area of the city, and Sir Terry Matthews is now at the helm of the Swansea Bay City Region board. We’ve also unveiled hugely exciting outline proposals for the Civic Centre and St David’s sites in the city centre which are set to be worth over £500 million to the local economy. The Civic Centre site has even been recommended as the number one site of Welsh national priority status.

“The combination of everything that’s happening means both Swansea people and visitors to the city have an enormously encouraging future in store.”

Swansea Council will soon be shortlisting developers from across the world who’ve expressed an interest in regenerating the Civic Centre and St David’s sites.

A retail and leisure destination proposed for the St David’s site would combine a new public square with shops, restaurants, a cinema and a new office development. A multi-storey car park is being proposed for the current LC car park site that would include opportunities for commercial development.

Outline proposals for the Civic Centre site include landmark tourist developments and high quality public spaces. Swansea University is exploring the potential for a hydro hub research and development facility on the site that could include an iconic aquarium.

Developers are also being asked to consider the best way of linking the city to the sea. One option could be a new ‘sky path’ for pedestrians and cyclists that would cross above Oystermouth Road and link the St David’s site with the waterfront.

Swansea Council is looking to have development partners on board in early 2016.