Rainbow art to celebrate diversity
SWANSEA Council unveiled a new LGBTQ rainbow artwork this week on Wind Street.
The new colour artwork is part of a major revamp aimed at transitioning the area from a night-time party destination to an all-day attraction for families.
The first instalment, which is located at the top of Wind Street, is aimed at celebrating and promoting Swansea’s diversity, with two more expected to follow in the future.
Work is still taking place in the street and the appearance of concrete basin-like structures have sparked speculation, tongue-incheek, that hot tubs could be coming to the area – a rumour that the council was quick to squash.
The artwork is the latest addition to the “modern welcoming Wind Street” that will accompany outdoor seating areas, greenery, performance areas and lighting as part of the £3m upgrade.
The rainbow road will shortly be followed by two more instalments of the same in hopes of celebrating and promoting Swansea’s diversity alongside creating a new all-day destination in the city.
The 20mph one-way road will only be accessible to business traffic between the hours of 7-11am every day but will feature three informal pedestrian crossings with tactile kerb sides for those with disabilities.
Swansea Council LGBTQ+ champion Elliott King said: “Swansea is a welcoming and diverse city.
“Wind Street will further add to its appeal – and our colourful areas of rainbow road will strengthen this message.
“They will reflect the positive messages associated with designs used by those celebrating LGBTQ+ life.”
With upgrade work expected to be completed by the end of November, the transformed street will connect to a new Castle Square Gardens.
Council leader Rob Stewart said: “Businesses are eager for the ‘new’ Wind Street to open; we’ve already been working with them to make it a welcoming day-time destination with restaurants opening out onto the street for families and visitors.
“The main work is on track to be practically completed by the end of this month so that the Christmas season should be a good one for Wind Street businesses.
“Our rainbow-coloured artworks will celebrate and promote Swansea’s diversity.
“Wind Street will be an inclusive environment; we want everybody to be free to enjoy it with friends and family without fear of intimidation, intolerance or hatred.”