New land deal to boost major Mumbles development

A NEW land deal means restaurants forming part of the planned Oyster Wharf scheme in Mumbles will enjoy better views than originally anticipated.

Swansea Council has now agreed to sell a strip of land that borders the Tivoli Amusements building on Mumbles Road to the scheme developers.

The Oyster Wharf development will stretch from Tivoli Amusements to Oystermouth Square. Café bar Loungers and restaurant chain Prezzo are set to occupy two units adjacent to the Tivoli building that overlook Swansea Bay. The sale of the land will allow the developers to construct the units to a better standard, improve the appearance of the Tivoli rooftop and give customers better views.

The land sale will also lead to the extension of existing units. One of the three nearby tennis courts will be used as a site compound for about six to nine months while construction is taking place on the land, but the developer has pledged to repaint and improve the courts once work is complete.

The land sale also won’t affect on-going discussions with Mumbles Community Council to develop a multi-use games area close to the tennis courts.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “The Oyster Wharf development has the potential to breathe new life into a part of Swansea that’s traditionally been one of the jewels in the city’s crown.

“Developments of this calibre have the capability to generate more footfall, boost existing businesses and attract more investment in future. It’s important we do all we can as a business and investment friendly council to support schemes of this magnitude while protecting the recreational needs of the local community. This is why it’s important that the sale of this strip of land won’t have a detrimental impact on the provision of tennis or the opportunity for the community to participate in sport and recreation.

“This development, along with our outline proposals to regenerate the Civic Centre and St David’s sites in the city centre, will further put Swansea on the map and make the most of our stunning seaside location.”

The Oyster Wharf scheme is due for completion in 2016. French restaurant Le Bistro Pierre is among the other businesses to have committed to the project.