Another sign that Swansea’s Castle Square is to become a greener, more welcoming space is being put in place over the coming days.
As preparation work continues on the project to transform the city centre focal point, the site is now being made safe with the addition of 8ft-tall hoardings.
This temporary barrier will keep the public safe during the work. It’ll feature details of the work being carried out along with direction signs.
During the work, pedestrians – including those with mobility challenges – will still be able to use the footways immediately outside the square, on Caer Street, Castle Bailey Street, Princess Way and Temple Street.
Some adjustments will be made to these areas to ensure that the hoardings can remain in place throughout the construction work.
Vehicle movement is unchanged as are bus routes. The Caer Street taxi rank will remain in place for those enjoying nights out in neighbouring areas such as Wind Street.
Supplier access will be maintained for businesses. Disability access to shops will be maintained. All businesses in the area will be trading as normal.
Council leader Rob Stewart said: “These are exciting times for Castle Square and the rest of Swansea as our £1bn city regeneration programme continues.
“The square will be closed for the duration of the work to maintain safety – but the immediate neighbouring footways, roads and businesses will remain open and accessible.
“We’ll ask our contractors to keep disruption to a minimum and will have ongoing discussions with them during the work.
“I thank everybody for their understanding as we move ahead with this important work.”
The council is considering options for the future installation of temporary public art on the red hoardings – as has happened on the boards around nearby Y Storfa.
Castle Square’s future design was created by the council with the help of much public engagement.
Main work is expected to start on its transformation next month (note: July) and is due to be completed towards the end of next year. It will see today’s tired-looking Castle Square become greener and more welcoming to all.
The transformation will include:
- The addition of two pavilion buildings for food, drink or retail businesses – one with an accessible green roof
- An increase in the amount of other greenery, including new lawns, ornamental and biodiverse planting to provide an area with 40% green space
- A new water feature for interactive play
- New giant TV screen above a bandstand-style facility
- New outdoor seating areas
- The retention of public use space
Council cabinet member Robert Francis Davies said: “Our new-look Castle Square Gardens will be a fantastic place to meet, spend quality time and enjoy public events and gatherings.
“This multi-million pound project will complement regeneration work already carried out – or underway now – in neighbouring locations such as Wind Street, Y Storfa, the former Castle Cinema and the McDonald’s building.
“We thank the public for their understanding as we look to start the main work.”