More new images have been released which reveal the stunning new look planned for Swansea’s Castle Square. The area in the centre of the city is set to be transformed over the next year or so with a view to returning it to its former glory.
Castle Square used to be filled with more greenery than we see today, with lawned areas and flower beds acting as a backdrop to the retail shops in Oxford Street, the bars in Wind Street and other adjoining roads. This look was overhauled and replaced by the stark stone square we see today, but members of the public expressed a wish in an earlier consultation on a potential revamp to see more tress, grass and greenery at the site. To get the latest Swansea stories sent directly to you for free, click here.
Now the public are again being asked to have their say on a new design proposal for Castle Square which has been developed by Swansea Council after initial design ideas were drawn up last year. You can read more about that here.
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The latest plans show a different look to the square with features such as an increased amount of greenery, including planting, lawned areas and an increased number of trees. There will also be new planters, steps, seating, lighting and paving, and two green-roofed commercial units which could each be divided in two and have uses such as retail and cafes with outside seating. You can read more stories about Swansea here.
Furthermore, the existing water feature seen in the square today will be taken out and replaced by a new water jet feature which can be switched off so that the area can be used for different events at different times.
More images of how Castle Square could look in the coming years can be seen below
According to Swansea Council, “a new regeneration scheme is proposed for Castle Square, to raise its quality and to make it more active, distinctive and vibrant. A modern, functional and well-maintained public space is needed, where people will want to spend quality time and relax, which can still accommodate a range of events and cultural experiences.”
The council’s director of place, Martin Nicholls, added: “As part of the formal planning process for this development the public can have their say in a pre-application consultation (PAC) from April 25 to May 24. We’d like as much public feedback as possible.” Read here about what became of Swansea's best known nightclubs.
Full details of the plans and the application documents can be seen here, and any comments on the proposals should be sent by e-mail to planningconsultation@savills.com or by post to Planning Consultations, Savills, 2 Kingsway, Cardiff, CF10 3FD.
Once designs are agreed upon, full proposals will be taken forward to a formal planning process which is expected to happen later this year. If plans are given the go-ahead then, it is hoped that the new-look Castle Square could be ready for use by late 2023.
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