Several major schemes will either be finished or will make considerable progress in Swansea this year in a further boost for city centre footfall.
The schemes will lead to thousands more people working in the city centre to help create the footfall that's needed to support existing traders and attract more shops and other businesses.
Developments soon due to be complete include the new office project at 71/72 The Kingsway. Developed by Swansea Council and part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal and the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO), the scheme - being constructed by Bougyes UK - will provide space for 600 jobs.
Over 75% of the office space at the development is now under offer and tenants will start to be announced in the coming weeks.
Also due for completion this year is the Y Storfa community services hub at the former BHS unit on Oxford Street. It will include some council services, the city's main public library, the Swansea office of Careers Wales, the Welsh Glamorgan Archive Service, Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot, the South Wales Miners Library and other public services.
As part of the council's partnership with regeneration specialists Urban Splash, construction work is also anticipated to start this year on a new public sector hub building at the former St David's Shopping Centre site. Hundreds of council staff will be based there, along with staff from other public sector organisations.
Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: "We all want a thriving city centre but we know more footfall is needed there to support our existing traders and attract more shops and other businesses in future.
"That's why a £1bn regeneration programme is ongoing to help ensure thousands more people are working and living in the city centre. That will then create the kind of spending shops need to open and thrive.
"Swansea Arena has already opened and projects to reopen both The Palace Theatre building and the Albert Hall are complete.
"The new office scheme at 71/72 The Kingsway and the Y Storfa community services hub are among many schemes that will complement these developments. They show how committed we are to creating a thriving, modern city with more opportunities to work, live, study, shop and enjoy.
"The private sector is also heavily investing in Swansea, with major schemes like Princess Quarter and the biophilic building also due for completion in 2025, supported by plans to bring the Mond Buildings on Union Street back into use and the opening of the Cosy Club at the Exchange Buildings in the Maritime Quarter."
Also starting this year is work to transform Castle Square. The project will feature a substantial increase in green space including lawns and planting.
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