Public to have say on key location in Swansea

Swansea people are to have their say on the future of one of the city centre’s key locations.

They are to be asked for their views on a number of exciting options for the future of Castle Square.

Swansea Council will run the consultation in 2020. The council wants to transform the location into a space that captures the charm of the original Castle Gardens, providing a pleasant public space where visitors will want to spend time and relax.

It will retain the flexibility to cater for public events in the way the square currently does.

Council leader Rob Stewart said: “I hope that as many as possible take part in the public consultation when it launches; it will help us decide on a great future for this important location.

“There will be more green space, more planting to help wildlife and more seating. There will also be an element of commercial space.”

The council want the site’s future functional public space to be equal to – or greater than – at present.

They want to create a new gardens element to offer a re-greened, more vibrant Castle Square that will complement other initiatives in the city centre, including the Kingsway Urban Park and Swansea Central.

Tens of thousands of people regularly use Castle Square for events and on shopping visits.

Over the past few years scores of events have taken place there. They include gatherings such as big screen specials for sport and other major occasions, film shows, military celebrations, commercial events and health promotions.

Cllr Stewart said: “Those figures will only get better.

“Castle Square is a pivotal location and it will remain a landmark focal point at the heart of Swansea as major city centre regeneration continues over the coming months and years.

“Castle Square will be refurbished and refreshed making it a usable space for the new city we’re creating. We’ll announce further detail in the new year.”

A feasibility study into the future of Castle Square began this year.

City centre regeneration schemes underway include: the construction over the next 18 months of the £135m Swansea Central Phase One – including 3,500-capacity indoor arena, parkland, parking, residential and commercial space; a £12m overhaul of The Kingsway area – making the routes more pedestrian friendly; and tens of millions of pounds of private sector investment in the High Street area.