Sales figures soar in Swansea city centre

BUSINESS in Swansea city centre is on the up, according to new figures.

Statistics for April show sales increased by 12.4% from March and 4.6% compared with the same month last year.

An independent retail analysis company called Springboard put together the statistics for Swansea Council. Swansea bucked the trend across the UK where national sales were down 2.4% in April compared to the same month last year.

The April figures are the seventh month of year on year sales growth in Swansea.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “These figures make for encouraging reading because they show consumer confidence in Swansea city centre is gradually improving despite what continue to be difficult financial times for many people. Our fantastic city centre traders deserve enormous credit for the improvements but we’re also doing all we can to attract more people to the city centre and generate a more welcoming environment for the benefit of residents, visitors and businesses. Examples include the range of high-quality events we arrange for the city centre and our on-going refurbishment project at Swansea Market.

“We’re also now holding detailed discussions with representatives of all the shortlisted bids for the Civic Centre and St David’s sites as we look to appoint development partners by the end of the year. There’s a real buzz about Swansea at the moment and we’re determined not to lose momentum as we look to deliver the kind of vibrant city centre the people of Swansea deserve.”

Russell Greenslade, Swansea BID (Business Improvement District) Chief Executive, said: “The recent spend statistics are very positive news – they provide a firm base to build on. We’ve seen growth in our NCP car parking offer, our Big Heart of Swansea loyalty card and attendance at our events. Recent projects such as additional police offices and the virtual vinyling of empty units have also improved the shopping and trading environment in the city centre. With the proposed regeneration plans for the Civic Centre and St David’s sites, exciting times lie ahead for the city centre and we look forward to working with the council on these schemes in due course”

Among the forthcoming events in Swansea city centre are a screening of La Boheme on Castle Square’s Big Screen on Wednesday June 10 at 7.30pm. The Swansea Half Marathon also starts and finishes in the city centre on Sunday June 14 and the Swansea Festival of Transport will take place there on Sunday June 21 from 10.30am to 4pm.

Other statistics show the city centre ranger team dealt with over 1,900 issues in April – more than 500 of which were queries from residents and visitors. Swansea also featured highly in a recent survey of travelling football fans asking which Premier League cities were the best to visit in England and Wales.