ESSENTIAL work on underground power lines is taking place as Swansea Council prepares for its transformation of the city centre Castle Square into a greener, more welcoming space.
Contractors working on behalf of National Grid are on site in the square this week (note: wc July 22). All businesses in the area are trading as normal.
The work will see high-voltage cables moved and re-laid to reflect the needs of the square’s new design which the council has created with the help of much public engagement.
National Grid’s access to the square means that pedestrian access has been temporarily re-routed; the square and neighbouring shops and businesses remain accessible and open.
Council leader Rob Stewart said: “It’s great to see work moving ahead at this pivotal location; our new-look Castle Square Gardens will be a fantastic place to meet, spend quality time and enjoy public events and gatherings.
“It’ll be part of our ongoing £1bn regeneration of Swansea and will complement work already carried out – or underway now – in nearby locations such as Wind Street, The Kingsway, Copr Bay, the Palace Theatre building, the Albert Hall and Y Storfa.
“We thank the public for their understanding as contractors work on these vitally important cables.”
Main work on Castle Square is due to start in this year and is due to be completed around a year later.
It will see today’s tired-looking Castle Square become greener and more welcoming to all.
The transformation will include:
- The addition of two pavilion buildings for food, drink or retail businesses – one with an accessible green roof
- An increase in the amount of other greenery, including new lawns, ornamental and biodiverse planting to provide an area with 40% green space
- A new water feature for interactive play
- New giant TV screen above a bandstand-style facility
- New outdoor seating areas
- The retention of public use space
It is planned that the leaf sculpture will be moved to another suitable Swansea location.
