MS hopes SA1 can be used as example of regeneration
SWANSEA East MS Mike Hedges has welcomed the latest Welsh Government progress report on the SA1 development in Swansea.
He also expressed the hope that SA1 could be used as a template for similar developments that could take place in other parts of Wales.
Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Hedges asked Economy Minister Vaughan Gething for the latest update on SA1.
Mr Gething responded: “The SA1 development is now more than 60% developed, with 90% of the remaining development land sold.
“All major public infrastructure has been installed, and negotiations are taking place with two local housing associations for further residential development, and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) continues its new city-centre campus with a new collaboration development called Matrix.”
Mr Hedges replied: “The SA1 development in Swansea has been a huge success, not just the University of Wales Trinity St David and housing, but also a number of high-technology (mainly start-up) companies that have developed around the university.
“Like Swansea Vale, this is an excellent example of mixed development, and I hope to see similar developments across Wales because this really is a way of creating economic development and high-value jobs.”
Mr Gethin replied: “I think this is a good example of a successful mixed development, with a range of uses and a really positive outcome for Swansea and the wider area. He’s right – there are good jobs being created on this site, where people from a slightly wider area will travel to and from them. I think it is a good example of how we would want to have further developments take place in the future.
“In terms of some of the challenges that come with any site, we’re working through those, and, there’s a constructive position between my officials and the City and County of Swansea.”
After the Senedd meeting, Mr Hedges said: “I believe the SA1 development in Swansea has been a great success – a mixed development which encourages new hi-tech business to develop close to the universities, people to live close to new jobs, and provides regeneration for former industrial areas which have fallen into disuse. It is a win for everyone.
“This is a similar model of redevelopment to several European cities and it is marvellous to see it achieving success in our area. It would be marvellous if the Welsh Government could now use this model as a template for other redevelopments around Wales. SA1 has shown what can be achieved.”