New homes plan for Penllergaer Civic Centre site

Hundreds of people could soon be living on the current Civic Centre site in Penllergaer.

Swansea Council has now exchanged contracts to sell the site to Enzo’s Homes – a regional housebuilder based in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire.

Subject to planning permission, the deal will lead to a development made up of 80 homes.

Lambert Smith Hampton acted as the council’s sole agent for the marketing of the site.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “We put the Penllergaer Civic Centre site on the market to help raise the funds we need to build new schools and other facilities in Swansea, to modernise the council’s estate of land and buildings, and to reduce the number of surplus properties in our ownership.

“The level of interest was most encouraging, but we’re delighted to have exchanged contracts to sell the site to Enzo’s Homes – a local housing developer based right here in South West Wales.

“Subject to planning permission, this scheme will also provide much-needed housing in the Penllergaer area of Swansea. It’s the latest example of the great work the council is doing to secure best value for land and property, with money being reinvested back into services for the benefit of residents across the city.”

Enzo Sauro, of Enzo’s Homes, said: “We were interested in the Penllergaer Civic Centre site because it represents an exciting development opportunity, so it’s very pleasing that we’ve now been able to exchange contracts with Swansea Council. The working relationship with the council has been very positive from the outset.

“We’ll now continue to work on the fine detail of a planning application that, subject to approval, will lead to a scheme that benefits hundreds of people.”

As part of the agreement, Swansea Council will also gift three parcels of land to the Penllergare Trust, an organisation that manages the adjoining Penllergare Valley Woods.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “In recent years, the Penllergare Trust has carried out some outstanding work, preserving Penllergaer Valley Woods and restoring its unique natural and cultural landscape for the enjoyment of Swansea people and visitors to the city.

“It’s hugely encouraging that we’ve reached a deal that will regenerate the Penllergaer Civic Centre site, while benefitting residents and boosting a much-loved local beauty spot at the same time.”

The three-storey Penllergaer Civic Centre building, which measures about 6,368 square metres (68,485 square feet) in size, was first opened in 1982 for the former Lliw Valley Borough Council. It’s part of a 5.9-hectare (14.58-acre) site.

Staff based at the building have all been relocated as part of the council’s office accommodation strategy.

Enzo’s Homes will now take over responsibility for the site as well, also helping save the council money.