Approval has been given to extend Swansea’s former 360 beachfront venue, offering a sparkling future for the seaside gem.
A planning application okayed by Swansea planners will see extensions to the Mumbles side and to the rear.
The plans were submitted by Hole Britton Ltd, a partnership of former Swans star Leon Britton and Swansea brother and sister Ryan and Lucy Hole.
The building will – from this summer – offer a main restaurant with bar and a café lounge bar with an area for dogs, a new entrance foyer and expanded outdoor seating area.
There will be public toilets and customer toilets and a Changing Places facility for those with a disability.
A sports academy, featuring a range of sports, will be based in the site’s former equipment store.
The venue will be called Seven in honour of the footballer’s former shirt number. It replaces the former 360 café.
The partnership’s planning application, approved by city planners on Wednesday, March 13, follows the council’s search for a new operator for the venue that was vacated when its previous tenant decided not to extend its lease.
Robert Francis Davies, the council’s cabinet member for innovation, regeneration and tourism, was delighted that a bright future was in prospect for the venue.
He said: “The transformation will be amazing. Seven is an incredible investment in the future of Swansea Bay; it will attract many more visitors to this part of our city.
“We are one of only a few cities that front onto the beach and this site is one of the best locations in the UK with views right along Swansea Bay.
“Seven will help to create an exciting and vibrant beachfront where people can enjoy great food, music and activities all-year round.”
Leon Britton said: “Having planning permission means that we can move ahead quickly with the main works on site.
“Seven is in an amazing location. The views are incredible all the way down to Mumbles. I am enjoying investing back into the city which has been great to me. “Seven is an exciting project; me, Ryan and Lucy will deliver something of high quality for the people of Swansea and for the area’s visitors.”
Ryan Hole said: “Lucy and I have the experience of running cafe-bar/restaurants and with Leon’s experience of elite level sport, we feel it is a perfect match. We plan on creating something which Swansea can be proud of.”
Seven took control of the former 360 site early this year after winning a tender process. The council will continue to own the site and Seven will be its tenants under a 25-year lease.