Ladies and gents, market’s latest attraction is opened
YOU don’t have to spend a single penny at Swansea Market’s new customer toilets.
The high-quality unisex facilities can be accessed for free by customers of all abilities.
They have been created close to the market’s Quadrant entrance and are part of a £439,000 improvement plan being delivered by Swansea Council.
Other elements of the programme that are under way include a multi-purpose communal area, free public wi-fi, new interactive LED signs and improved entrances.
The new conveniences were officially opened by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Mark Child.
He said: “This facility will make the market even more attractive to shoppers who already see this famous destination as a beating heart of our city centre.
“The other improvements will help ensure our much-loved market is fit for the future – for shoppers and traders.”
Robert Francis-davies, the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “It’s good to see these market improvements taking shape.
“We said we’d make these positive changes and that’s what we’re doing.
“This is important work that will help maintain the market’s status as a jewel in our city’s crown.
“As our £1bn city centre regeneration continues, the market will have a vital role to play.
“I urge people to shop at the market and to do so responsibly. Coronavirus is still with us but progress like this new facility, with construction work carried out safely and within government guidelines in the pandemic, indicates how Swansea is looking forward with confidence.”
The new facility has three unisex cubicles, including a fully accessible unit. All are accessible to those with ambulant disabilities. A Changing Places facility is provided
for those with profound care needs.
All cubicles are fully self-contained with their own hand washing and baby change facilities.
The facility is free to use,
is open during market opening times and is maintained by market staff.
The work, by Swanseabased Edmunds Webster, started in May and was
completed on time and on budget.
It was carried out with a close focus on government social distancing guidelines.
The market, managed by the council, is the permanent home to more than 100 businesses, hosts casual traders and events and was named Britain’s best large indoor market this year in the Great British Market Awards.
Traders have been important in helping the local community through the coronavirus crisis, and many are continuing to offer delivery services.
With up to 80,000 customers a week and a growing food and drink offer, the market is a key attraction for the city centre, generating significant footfall.
The £439,000 improvement project is being partfunded by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme and the council.
The experienced Tangent Partnership Ltd has just started working to transform the venue’s central casual area into a new destination for people to meet, greet, eat and enjoy events.