City’s first sighting of landmark road bridge
THE new bridge that will be put in place near Swansea’s under-construction indoor arena has been spotted for the first time.
The 50-metre-long gold-coloured structure will be sited next to the 3,500-capacity arena and multi-storey car park, which are due to open next year.
When completed, the bridge will be moved into place over Oystermouth Road to link the city centre to the arena, its coastal park and the marina.
According to Swansea Council the bridge will be used by thousands of pedestrians and cyclists every week.
The completed structure will have perforated steel sides designed by Swansea artist Marc Rees.
Mr Rees said he was influenced by Japanese origami to create a “folded swan” look to the bridge, adding: “The swan in Celtic culture symbolises migration, moving forward, and change.”
The bridge will complement the exterior of the new arena, which will be gold and “studded with more than 77,000 LED dig
itally controlled light bulbs”, the council has said.
The plans form part of the £135 million Swansea Central phase one scheme, which is planned to be a catalyst for wider development as part of the city’s £1 billion regeneration.
As well as the arena and bridge, phase one will include parkland and parking for around 1,000 cars, homes and commercial units.
A pavilion with “striking” architecture is also planned to sit close to the arena.
Plans for the oval and wedge-shaped building include a 94 square metre café-restaurant, a kitchen, plus internal and external toilets.
The designs feature wood, local stone, stainless steel, aluminium and a solar roof. Natural lighting and ventilation will be used wherever possible.
It’s also promised that lighting will be low-energy and light pollution will be minimised.
Funding sources for the scheme include the council, the Swansea Bay City Deal, and the Welsh Government.