Consultations on £2m upgrade to Wind Street Swansea

SWANSEA Council officers working on Wind Street’s £2m upgrade have met residential property tenants and representatives of disability groups with more meetings planned as the street is improved through this year and next.

The ultimate aim of Wind Street’s regeneration is to create a welcoming, safe and enjoyable family destination for visitors and businesses while also recognising the needs and wishes of residents, disabled users and membership clubs in the area

It will become more of a pedestrian-friendly café quarter with customers attracted through the day as well as night by businesses offering food and drink. It will be a disability- and pedestrian-friendly and free from the risk of traffic movement for most of each day.

The new, improved Wind Street will link to and complement new proposals for a greener Castle Square which the council plans to publish for consultation shortly.

Council leader Rob Stewart said:

“We listened to the public about their wishes for Wind Street as we formulated our improvement plans, we’re listening to them now and will continue to do so.

“I thank those who attended virtual meetings this week and those who have accepted invitations to attend future online meetings.

“Their feedback on issues such as accessibility is important to us. We want to make Wind Street a destination for all and a good place to visit and in which to live and do business.

“Work is due to start in the coming weeks on a programme that, over the coming year, will see surfaces, lighting, greenery, landscaping and street furniture improved. The road and footways will be made at the same level to improve accessibility.

“Wind Street is a fantastic asset for the city and is an important destination and attraction for locals and visitors alike.

“Given lockdown restrictions, businesses have welcomed the opportunity to introduce outdoor facilities. Wind Street will continue to be a major daytime and evening visitor destination.

“As a council, we’ve always listened to the views of our community and such dialogue has been instrumental in influencing access arrangements on other projects such as The Kingsway re-development, for example.”

The council is currently trialling a traffic order that limits Wind Street vehicle movements to four hours a day. Businesses are getting used to changes which restrict vehicle access to a four-hour morning window.

Council officers have met disabled people and local residents who have ideas on how to improve the temporary measures in place for this trial. Feedback will enable adjustments to the scheme where possible.

The experimental road closure was introduced at the start of August in rapid response to the pandemic. It allows restaurants, bars and cafes to set up outside areas to welcome back customers following the £2easing of lockdown restrictions.