03/28/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales

£30 million high-tech office development for former Oceana nightclub in Swansea

PLANS for a high-tech office development in the heart of Swansea have been recommended for approval.

The £30 million scheme is earmarked for the former Oceana nightclub site on The Kingsway.

It would include two basement levels with five storeys – including a rooftop terrace – above, providing 10,000 square metres of office space.

A basement gym, food and drink units and some event space are also proposed, along with greenery on balconies and the rooftop.

Swansea Council’s Labour administration is driving forward the development – known as 71-72 Kingsway – and said more than 600 people could end up working there.

The application is due to be determined at a planning committee meeting on June 2.

Council leader Rob Stewart said: “71-72 Kingsway will cater for new and existing digital businesses, bringing them together in an ultra-modern flexible workspace environment, generating new jobs and vitality for the city centre.

“We’re talking to high-profile potential occupiers already and are confident of demand.”

The development includes 76 cycle spaces, and a new pedestrian link onto Oxford Street.

No parking spaces are proposed, and the council’s highways department said there was “some apprehension on the ability of car parks to accommodate a yet unknown demand and to forecast the demand on the network”.

But planning officers said there were 12 car parks within 550m of the scheme.

Service vehicles like refuse lorries would access the site via Picton Lane.

The Design Commission for Wales has reviewed the proposals on two occasions, and said it was broadly supportive of the scheme.

“Its quality and distinctiveness are critical to securing partners and responding to clear messages from potential operators and occupiers,” it said.

If planning permission is granted, the council said construction could start early next year, with the building opening in late 2022.

Nearby on Oxford Street, a Swansea firm called Hacer Developments has planning permission for a large residential, office and retail scheme at the former Woolworths building.

The idea is that the two developments would create new public space along Picton Lane.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said 71-72 Kingsway was designed to attract high-tech and education innovators.

He added: “It will be a focal point for local people to visit and enjoy, with cultural activities and potential for an exciting food and drink offer.”

%d bloggers like this: