Council agrees David Evans site redevelopment

PLANS for a £30m redevelopment of the former David Evans store in

Swansea city centre has been given the green light.

The proposal submitted by London-based Thurleigh Estates will provide 58,000 square feet of retail space in six units across three stores in a high street format.

And the scheme, approved by the Council yesterday, has already attracted two of the high street's biggest names, Zara and Slater.

Council Leader Chris Holley said, "It is great news, arguably the best news for shopping in the city centre for more than a decade.

"As I understand it, work at the site will start early in the New Year and the retailers will be moving in towards the end of 2007.

"Zara and Slater are both leading players in the retail world and their decision to come to Swansea will send a loud and clear message that Swansea is the place to be.

"The news will be a massive boost to our retailers in Swansea and it will be a springboard to attract further investment."

The director of Thurleigh Estates, Roger Hamilton-Brown said, "We will be providing spacious, contemporary and flexible space to enhance the position of Swansea as the regional shopping centre for South West Wales."

Gareth Sullivan, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said, " Swansea is now benefiting from record levels of investment and confidence at a time when other cities are struggling.

"The number of cranes on our skyline and the amount of construction work is proof that private investors are backing Swansea to the tune of hundreds of millions of pounds.

"We will continue to build on this success to raise the profile and prosperity of Swansea. The arrival of Zara and Slater will attract others to follow and will bring sustained economic benefits to the city."

 Sign up for daily news alerts at www.swansea.gov.uk/subscribe

 Follow us on Twitter

 Council News Feed