West Way improvement works to start in the spring

Plans to make it easier for people to walk back and forth between Swansea city centre and the Sandfields community will soon be on public display.

A manned event is taking place at the Grand Theatre next week that will include details of a highway improvement scheme at West Way’s junction with Wellington Street.

Better pedestrian crossings form part of the Swansea Council scheme, which is scheduled to last from the spring to the autumn.

The manned event will be held between 9.30am and 4pm at the theatre’s level one exhibition area on Tuesday January 12, Wednesday January 13 and Thursday January 14.

Other features of the work include a new road layout close to the City Bus Station would help improve bus movements and general traffic flows on West Way by reducing the amount of traffic light phasing. Landscaping work will also introduce more greenery in the area as part of the project.

The scheme is being funded by the Welsh Government’s Vibrant and Viable Places Swansea City Centre regeneration programme that was awarded in June, 2014.

Vibrant and Viable Places (VVP) is a three-year programme (2014-2017) through which Swansea Council has been awarded £8.53 million to target key regeneration projects in the city centre.

Other features of the scheme will include the introduction of a landscaped traffic island to separate north and southbound traffic adjacent to the bus station. This will enable easy access for buses entering and leaving the bus station.

A wider footway towards the waterfront could be introduced on the redundant northbound ftr Metro track between Wellington Street and Oystermouth Road in future.

Visitors to the manned event will also have the opportunity to comment on a revised draft tall buildings strategy that’s now out for consultation.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “This scheme is important because it will lead to better crossing facilities on West Way, introduce more greenery to the city centre, improve traffic flows and provide a permanent solution for switching buses into general lanes after the removal of the ftr Metro service.

“The drop-in sessions at the Grand Theatre are another way of raising as much awareness as possible of the scheme before works start in the spring. They also give a further opportunity for people to have their say on our revised draft tall buildings strategy that’s now out for consultation.

“Development schemes that incorporate tall buildings have the potential to significantly contribute to the city’s skyline, generate stunning sea views and boost vibrancy. But while they can have a positive impact, it’s important they’re well-designed and sustainable, and relate to the context of the area. It’s important we strike the right balance, which is why people’s feedback is so important.”

People can also visit www.swansea.gov.uk/haveyoursay to give their views on the revised draft tall buildings strategy up until February 12.  All feedback will be considered before a report is prepared for Swansea Council Cabinet’s consideration.