Bonnie backs Swansea’s arena proposal

Singing superstar Bonnie Tyler has given her backing to the arena idea for Swansea city centre.

Bonnie, who has a home in West Cross, says an arena capable of hosting world class performers, exhibitions and conferences would be a huge boost for local people and businesses.

Rivington Land, the company Swansea Council has appointed to lead the regeneration of the St David’s development site both north and south of Oystermouth Road, is proposing the construction of a 3,500-seat arena on the current LC car park site. A new under-cover car park could be constructed below the proposed arena.

Other ideas for the overall development site, which also incorporates the former St David’s shopping centre and the St David’s multi-storey car park, include a new retail street and circuit, a restaurant and café quarter, a state-of-the-art cinema and a new tall residential building that could rival Meridian Tower. New residential units and plenty of car parking spaces could also be constructed on both sides of Oystermouth Road, as well as improved links between the city centre and the waterfront.

Bonnie said: “The arena proposal for Swansea city centre is a fantastic idea. Swansea has a long and proud history of developing top class singers and musicians, so it’s only fitting that the city should have an iconic arena of this kind.

“The arena being proposed would bring big name performers to Swansea, giving local people convenient access to world class entertainment and putting Swansea on the map as a leading city of events.

“Swansea Bay is a great spot for tourists, but the arena could attract even more visitors to the area in future, which would be great news for local businesses like hotels, restaurants and shops.”

Musician, composer and TV personality Mal Pope is another local celebrity who’s given the arena idea the thumbs-up.

Mal said: “A purpose-built arena of this kind would be a great development for Swansea because it means the city would be keeping up with the times. Back in the 1970s, I remember seeing huge bands like Queen and Slade perform in Swansea. The arena being proposed would help further raise Swansea’s profile and attract some of the biggest names in pop and rock music.”

Swansea Council has also announced that Trebor Developments will lead the regeneration of the Civic Centre site. Their winning ideas include apartments, town houses, cafés, restaurants and a new public space

It’s also being proposed the company works closely alongside Swansea University to further explore the potential for a ‘hydro hub’ at the site that could include a public aquarium and a state-of-the-art aquatic sciences research centre.