Plans have been approved for a new £500 million regeneration scheme in Swansea.

The Swansea Central scheme will see a major-mixed-use development built at the St David's and Oystermouth Road sites in the city centre.

Features include

• A 3,500-seat arena capable of hosting major international performers, exhibitions and conferences

• A new tall residential building that could rival Meridian Tower

• A new retail street and circuit featuring iconic brands

• A restaurant and café quarter

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• A state-of-the-art cinema

• A new public square

• Improved links between the city centre and waterfront

The council has appointed Rivington Land and Acme to manage the regeneration of the site both north and south of Oystermouth Road, made up of the former St David's shopping centre, the St David's multi-storey car park and the LC car park.

Meanwhile, Trebor Developments have been appointed to lead the regeneration of the Civic Centre site. Proposals include new apartments, town houses, cafes/restaurants and a new public space. Further plans are being explored with Swansea University to develop a public aquarium and a new modern aquatic sciences research centre.

In a statement, Acme said: "Our project will re-establish a network of pedestrian streets and squares aligned to the historic character of the city. New North-South routes will create a clear and direct path from the centre to the beach, bringing the city back to its coastline at Swansea Bay."

(LM)