Wales' Housing, Regeneration and Heritage Minister Huw Lewis attended a topping out ceremony in Swansea o mark the completion of the latest construction phase of the city's Urban Village.

Completion of the structure's main frame is a major milestone in the project and illustrates the size and scale of the development. The finished project will consist of a mix of retail, commercial and residential space and is designed to transform Swansea’s High Street whilst regenerating Kings Lane as a vibrant linkage to Parc Tawe.

A number of jobs have been created through the development, from the current construction phases through to the final retail elements.


Huw Lewis said: "From our smallest villages to larger towns and cities, the local high street was once a hub of activity to shop and socialise. Keeping these centres alive is not only crucial from an economic perspective, but equally from a cultural and historic perspective.

"The Urban Village will breathe new live into Swansea’s High Street, with vibrant shop frontages, attractive commercial space and numerous residential units. Additional parking will also be developed near-by and the Village is close to the station, creating easy access and transport links to bring workers and shoppers directly into the heart of the centre.

"I am delighted that Welsh Government funds are helping to regenerate the High Street area of Swansea.

"The £25 million Urban Village project, led by Coastal Housing group with funding from the Welsh Government and Swansea Council, is part of a wider regeneration programme for the area. Under this wider programme a further £566,000 of Welsh Government funding was awarded to Swansea train station over the last two years to carry out vital renovation and upgrade works."

(CD)