Swansea people are being given their chance to shape one of their city’s major regeneration schemes.
The community is being asked to offer views on a concept plan for the £30m development now being planned for the former Oceana nightclub at 71 and 72 The Kingsway.
It is planned that it will cater for new and existing digital businesses, bringing them together in an ultra-modern flexible workspace environment, generating new jobs and vitality for the city centre.
Access for the general public will include a new link from Oxford Street onto The Kingsway.
The development – originally known as the Digital Village but now with a working title of 71 & 72 The Kingsway – will stand six stories and will have a further two floors below ground level, fully using the basement level of the former nightclub.
Led by Swansea Council, the project is part of the wider regeneration of The Kingsway. It also forms part of the Swansea City and Waterfront Digital District, which will be part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal.
The City Deal – a £1.3bn investment in a number of transformational projects across South West Wales – will deliver around £13.7 million to 71 & 72 The Kingsway.
Rob Stewart, Swansea Council leader and chairman of the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Joint Committee, said: “This incredible facility will be a beacon for those working in the digital industries and educational sectors.
“It will attract leaders and innovators in those professional worlds to its collaborative and traditional working environments. There will be high quality digital connectivity along with accessible spaces for events and complementary work activities.
“It will be a stunning new place for local people to visit and enjoy, with cultural activities and potential for an exciting food and drink offer.
“I urge people to have their say in this consultation and to be involved in this site’s exciting future. Of course, many already have fond memories of the site’s previous uses as a cinema and club.”
The site is located between The Kingsway and Oxford Street at the heart of Swansea city centre. It incorporates the location of the former Oceana, a former surface car park in Picton Lane and neighbouring access lanes.
Work on the site will complement the ongoing £12m Kingsway transformation which will see this route become a high quality street, retaining traffic throughput but becoming a lot more pedestrian friendly. The idea is to make it an exciting place to live and work.
The public consultation for 71 & 72 The Kingsway started on Friday, August 30, and ends on September 27.
People can influence the development by attending a public display planned for the Civic Centre and Quadrant Shopping Centre. Consultation forms will be available there.
The display is due to be on show near the Coastline Café in the Civic from September 3-5 (9am-5pm). Council officers will be available to answer questions from 1.30-3pm on the Tuesday and Thursday.
It is due to visit the Quadrant from September 10-12 (9am-4pm). Council officers will be available to answer questions from 1.30-3pm each day.
Alternatively, residents can have their say by logging on to www.swansea.gov.uk/71and72thekingsway