Work set to start on major office scheme at nightclub site
CONSTRUCTION work will start later this month on a major new office development at the former Oceana nightclub site in Swansea.
Providing space for 600 jobs, the development set for 71/72 The Kingsway will include 114,000 sq ft of commercial floorspace with flexible co-working and office opportunities for innovative tech, digital and creative sector businesses.
The start of work follows on from Swansea Council – which leads on the scheme – signing a contract with main contractor Bouygues UK for the development build.
Due for completion in the summer of 2023, the five-storey scheme will be carbon-zero and worth £32.6m to Swansea’s economy once complete and in operation.
The development is part of the Swansea City and Waterfront Digital District project, part-funded by the £1.3bn Swansea Bay City Deal. It is also supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.
The scheme will feature state-of-the-art digital connectivity, a roof terrace, plenty of greenery, and balconies overlooking the city centre and Swansea Bay.
Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council leader, said: “We know some businesses have had to leave Swansea in the past to find the kind of high-quality office accommodation they need, so the new development at 71/72 The Kingsway will tackle that trend while also meeting significant unmet demand. Our research shows this remains the case despite Covid having led to far more home-working in recent times, with this development providing flexible space that’s fit for the modern office environment.
“We’re delighted our main contractor for this scheme – Bouygues UK – has now established a presence on site as we head towards the start of main construction work. The hi-tech office scheme, once complete, will provide space for 600 jobs and generate more footfall and spending for our city-centre businesses. “This development was always part of multi-million-pound plans for our transformed Kingsway. A huge amount of work has already taken place there to considerably improve the look and feel of the area for local businesses, local people and visitors to the city, while also helping attract private sector investment and more jobs.” As part of its work on the build, Bouygues UK will be working with and supporting local voluntary organisations, providing training, work placements and opportunities for local people, in addition to significant supply chain opportunities for local businesses. John Boughton, regional managing director of Bouygues UK, said: “Bouygues UK is delighted to sign the contract on this landmark building situated in the centre of Swansea. “To work on such an innovative and environmentallyfriendly building is going to be really rewarding for our team and we can’t wait to break ground and get going. “We also know that Kingsway is a key part of the history and infrastructure of the city centre, and that there is a need for highquality office accommodation, which this landmark building will certainly supply.” Two underground levels will also be included as part of the 71/72 The Kingsway development. Public access is planned, as well as a new link between The Kingsway and Oxford Street. Temporary surfacing has been deliberately laid in front of the development site, with permanent paving to be installed there once main construction work has finished. Access to businesses nearby will be maintained throughout the construction works. Anyone wishing to receive project updates can register to do so at 7172Thekingsway@swansea.gov.uk
We know some businesses have had to leave Swansea in the past to find the kind of highquality office accommodation they need, so the new development at 71/72 The Kingsway will tackle that trend while also meeting significant unmet demand Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council leader