SA1 land sale paves way for work to get underway on Swansea’s £300m Waterfront Innovation Quarter

Plans to create a vibrant new £300 million Swansea Waterfront Innovation Quarter for University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) have taken a major step forward with the completion of the sale of land in SA1 from the Welsh Government.

It paves the way for work to get underway on the ambitious city centre development, which is set to create a new learning neighbourhood in Swansea, connecting education with business, innovation and enterprise.

As a major part of the University’s multi-million pound investment in Swansea, UWTSD has acquired sizable areas of the remaining development land in the SA1 Waterfront area. The master plan includes proposals to develop purpose-built facilities for learning, teaching and applied research as well as social, leisure and wider recreational spaces.

Announcing the news today, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure Ken Skates described it as the start of an exciting new phase in the University’s development and a significant boost for the city’s economy.

Mr Skates said:

“The University of  Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has ambitious and very welcome plans to create a modern purpose built campus with a strong focus on supporting innovation and economic development, working with partners to exploit knowledge and expertise, developing skills for businesses and helping to attract new investment into the region.

“This, together with the expansion of Swansea University and its Bay campus, will provide a significant boost for the area. It will complement and support the aims of Swansea Bay City Region to make South West Wales internationally recognised for its emerging Knowledge and Innovation economy.”

UWTSD’s Swansea Waterfront Innovation Quarter Project Director Ray Selby said:

“The completion of the land purchase is a major and hugely significant step forward as the University continues to deliver its ambitious project plans in record time, with momentum building by the day. It also reflects the strength and potential of a very positive and constructive engagement with Welsh Government.

“UWTSD will take forward the development of Swansea’s SA1 through its SWIQ partnership with the Welsh Government and the City and County of Swansea, to further define Swansea as an Innovation city by establishing a range of impact hubs in identified priority areas. These will deliver clear economic and commercial benefits to attract new companies, partnerships and investment. By enhancing the employability of its graduates, the university is also looking to fulfil its potential to contribute significantly to economic regeneration in the Swansea Bay City Region.”

Andrew Gibson, Director at Cushman and Wakefield who acted on behalf of Welsh Government in the sale of the land said:

“This acquisition by UWTSD represents an exciting step towards the completion of one of the most successful waterside regeneration sites in the UK. We have acted for the Welsh Government on this disposal instruction for the last 5 years and are delighted to see nearly all of the available land now successfully sold for development.”

The Swansea Waterfront Innovation Quarter is an ambitious city development that will introduce a new innovative, inclusive and inspiring learning environment while connecting education with innovation and enterprise. The Quarter will allow core student services, including student support and a Students’ Union, along with a library, sports and leisure facilities which will sit alongside community and commercial amenities.