71 and 72 The Kingsway
This is a major new high-tech office development that will provide space for 600 jobs at the former Oceana nightclub site on The Kingsway in Swansea city centre.
The scheme will feature flexible co-working and office opportunities for innovative tech, digital and creative sector businesses. It will be a five-storey, carbon-zero development with two underground levels.
The scheme will include:
- 114,000 square feet of commercial floorspace
- state-of-the-art digital connectivity and integration with smart city technology
- conference and meeting facilities, with potential links to the Swansea Arena
- public access
- a new pedestrian link between The Kingsway and Oxford Street
- a roof terrace
- greenery throughout the building and a new public space
- balconies overlooking the city centre and Swansea Bay
Why is it happening?
There is a significant unmet demand for office developments of this quality in Swansea, with evidence showing some businesses having to leave the city to find the accommodation they need.
This development will help tackle that trend by retaining high-value jobs in Swansea, while generating further footfall for our city centre traders.
The recently completed environmental upgrade of The Kingsway has already acted as a catalyst for private sector investment in the area, including the Coppergate student development. The 71/72 The Kingsway scheme will act as a further catalyst, complementing a number of other planned developments nearby.
When will it happen?
We have appointed Bouygues UK as the development's main contractor. Construction work will start in the summer of 2021, with the development due for completion by summer 2023.
Will local people and local businesses benefit from the construction?
Yes. We - working in partnership with Bouygues UK - will maximise the amount of work, training, apprenticeship and supply chain opportunities for local people and local businesses.
Won't Covid-19 have an impact on occupancy?
Despite Covid-19 having led to more home working, there remains demand for high-quality office accommodation in our city centre which have excellent links to sustainable public transport and walking and cycling routes in a high-quality green environment. A review of the plans by the project design team shows the development to be Covid-resilient in terms of its design and flexible layout, and business interested in taking space are welcome to make enquiries even at this early stage of development. Discussions with a potential building operator and a number of potential tenants are at an advanced stage.
Who is funding this development?
Funding for 71/72 The Kingsway comes from Swansea Council and the Swansea Bay City Deal. The scheme is also being supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.
How do I find out more?
Email 7172TheKingsway@swansea.gov.uk for more information.
