Two tenants have been announced for a major new office development in Swansea city centre.
IWG and TUI will be taking up space at the 71/72 Kingsway scheme that’s now been handed over to Swansea Council.
Flexible workspace provider IWG will take up about 20,000 square feet at the development, with travel and leisure company TUI taking up approximately 7,000 square feet.
TUI contact centre employees currently based at Alexandra House will move to the new Kingsway development, helping to retain jobs in Swansea city centre.
The majority of the remaining space at the scheme is also under offer and the council is in advanced discussions with a number of other tenants that will be new to Swansea.
Further positive announcements are anticipated in the coming weeks.
Developed by Swansea Council, Bouygues UK led on the construction of 71/72 Kingsway.
Part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal and the Welsh Government, the 104,000 square foot scheme includes office spaces and shared workspaces, alongside an event hall and spaces for food and beverage businesses.
Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “We’re delighted to announce IWG and TUI as the development’s first tenants.
“There has been a shortage of quality office accommodation in Swansea, so schemes like 71/72 Kingsway are aimed at helping address this to attract new businesses and jobs to the city and retain businesses here that may otherwise have potentially looked elsewhere.
“Advanced talks with other companies that would be new to Swansea are also being finalised and details will soon be announced.”
Both IWG and TUI will soon start fitting-out their spaces at 71/72 Kingsway.
Wayne Berger, IWG’s UK CEO, said: “IWG is looking forward to working closely with Swansea Council to deliver a best-in-class workspace for the Swansea business community. IWG’s Spaces brand at 71-72 Kingsway will be an amazing asset for businesses of all sizes in the city, providing first class facilities on their doorstep as well as access to a global network of thousands of workspaces worldwide.”
Neil Swanson, TUI UK&I Managing Director, said: “We’re excited about the move for our contact centre employees in Swansea.
“The 71/72 Kingsway building has a real ‘wow’ factor and aligns with our approach on sustainability.
“Every aspect of space, facilities and layout at the building has been meticulously planned to create an exceptional work environment that supports the well-being of our teams.”
Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “Providing space for up to 600 workers, the 71/72 Kingsway scheme will combine with other developments that are either finished or nearing completion to create more footfall in the city centre. This will benefit existing traders and help attract even more investment in future like shops and other businesses.
“We’d like to thank all our funding partners for their support in developing this scheme. It’s part of an overall regeneration programme worth over £1bn that’s transforming our city into a leading place to live, work, study, visit and enjoy.”
UK Government Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith said: “It’s great news that this new landmark office development in Swansea is open for business and is already attracting major companies like IWG and TUI.
“71/72 Kingsway is a success story which has been part-funded by the UK Government’s investment in the Swansea Bay City Deal. This funding is helping deliver our number one mission of economic growth and putting more money in people’s pockets, as part of our Plan for Change.
“We want to encourage businesses to come to Swansea, create new jobs and contribute to the prosperity of the local economy.”
Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning at the Welsh Government, said: “This is a major milestone for the city of Swansea and for the delivery of the Swansea Bay City Deal, driving growth and innovation in our communities.
“This transformative project has not only enhanced the city’s infrastructure but will also create new opportunities for local businesses. We look forward to seeing the positive economic and social impact it will have.”
John Boughton, Managing Director of Bouygues UK in Wales and the South West, said: “It is great to hear that 71/72 Kingsway will soon be welcoming its first tenants in the shape of IWG and TUI.
“We take great pride in having built this high quality, innovative building which aligns with our commitment to sustainability across all our projects.
“Supporting local businesses and the Welsh economy has also been a key priority with 84% of our sub-contracts procured from within Wales.”
The 71/72 Kingsway scheme includes a green rooftop terrace with views over Swansea Bay, solar panels on top of the building and heat recovery systems to minimise energy use.
The development will also include 69 bike spaces and electric bike charging, as well as extensive shower and changing facilities and a new link between The Kingsway and Oxford Street.
For further information on the scheme, please contact joint letting agents JLL and Avison Young.
