Giant strides at Copr Bay courtesy of eye in the sky
NEW drone footage has shown the progress for Swansea’s emerging Copr Bay phase one district.
The photos give a bird’s-eye view of attractions including Swansea Arena, the 1.1-acre coastal park and the landmark Copr Bay bridge.
These new attractions will combine with new affordable apartments, business spaces and plenty of new car parking to make up the £135m Copr Bay phase one scheme.
The 3,500-capacity digital arena in Oystermouth Road is set to open later this year.
The outer shell of the structure will eventually be covered with 93,000 programmable LED lightbulbs in time for the long-anticipated venue to host top music acts and conferences.
As excitement builds for the opening of the new arena, Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG), which is behind a chain of theatres in the West End and Broadway, has signed a long-term deal to run the new venture.
A new footpath and cycleway is also being created, running alongside the arena, and the car park will come complete with a “living wall”.
The eye-catching, golden Copr Bay bridge has divided opinion in the city, with some people comparing it to a taco or the inside of a Crunchie chocolate bar.
Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea council leader, said: “The stunning new video footage and photos show even further progress for construction of the Copr Bay phase one district which includes the 3,500-capacity Swansea Arena, a major new coastal park, the landmark Copr Bay bridge and many other features.
“Construction progress throughout the pandemic has been significant, which is testament to all involved – from council officers and our main contractor to our development managers and subcontractors, who have adhered to Covid-safe working practices at all times.
“With construction of this vibrant new district on track for completion this autumn, it means Swansea’s economy is in a very strong place to recover from the impact of Covid-19.
“This scheme forms part of an ongoing £1bn regeneration story that will transform Swansea into one of the UK’s best places to live, work, study and visit.”
Copr Bay phase one is being developed by Swansea council and advised by development manager RivingtonHark. Its construction is being led by Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd.
Swansea council is financing Copr Bay Phase One, with some funding for the arena coming from the Swansea Bay City Deal. The Copr Bay bridge is part-funded by the Welsh Government’s Active Travel fund.