Swansea Council nears deal with retailers for former Debenhams site

Swansea Council is in advanced discussions with a number of leading high street retailers and leisure operators about moving into the former Debenhams unit in the city centre.

The advanced discussions follow the council purchasing the building with Welsh Government support after Debenhams went into administration.

The council also says tenants will soon be announced for the new office development taking shape at the former Oceana nightclub site on The Kingsway.

Advanced discussions are ongoing for about 80% of that building.

Over 1,000 more jobs will be located in the city centre thanks to the Kingsway development alongside the reopened Albert Hall and the Palace Theatre building, which is reopening next month and operated by Tramshed Tech.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “We know how important the Debenhams building is to the city centre and Swansea people.

“That’s why the council bought the building and is now in detailed discussions with a number of retail and leisure businesses who are keen to take up space at the unit.

“We can’t give any names of businesses at this stage because discussions are ongoing, but we’ll make more announcements as soon as we’re able to do so.

“That’s also the case for the 71/72 Kingsway development where there is interest from a number of companies who want to be based there.

“Having more businesses located in the city centre will increase footfall and boost spending in shops, bars and restaurants. This will have a positive impact and encourage other businesses to come to the city centre, which is really exciting for Swansea and its economy.”

Other schemes are soon on the way in the city centre too. They include a revamp of Castle Square Gardens, a new hotel on land next to the LC, and a public sector hub as part of a larger development at the former St David’s shopping centre site.

Construction is also continuing on the new Y Storfa community services hub at the former BHS unit on Oxford Street, and the council is in discussions to attract more retailers and food and drink businesses to the city centre as part of a new 10-year plan for the city centre.

Cllr Stewart said: “We’re committed to making Swansea city centre among the best destinations in the UK to live, work, enjoy, visit and study.

 “The response from investors has been excellent with the likes of the living building scheme led by Hacer Developments, the Princess Quarter scheme led by Kartay Investments, the Albert Hall scheme led by LoftCo, and the market lofts accommodation and commercial space scheme led by Oxford Portland.

“This means the city centre is undergoing an unprecedented transformation as we look to create jobs for local people, support city centre traders and attract even more investment in future.

“We successfully engaged with a number of major retailers to secure their continued future in the city last year. We are actively continuing to do so, to ensure we do all we can to retain and attract retailers to Swansea.”