Castle Square: Public to have their say on final plans
Swansea residents and businesses are being encouraged to have their say on final plans for a redeveloped, greener Castle Square.
Public feedback from earlier rounds of consultation was taken into account when designers created the new look for the location that's a focal point at the heart of the city centre.
The proposals include:
- An increase in the number of trees
- An increase in the amount of other greenery, including new lawns, ornamental and biodiverse planting - from 1,460 sq m to 2,530 sq m
- The addition of two pavilion buildings for food, drink or retail businesses - one with an accessible green roof
- A new water feature for interactive play
- New giant TV screen above a bandstand-style facility
- New outdoor seating areas
The plans include new planters, steps, seating, lighting and paving. The existing leaf boat feature would be removed to another suitable Swansea location in consultation with the original artist.
The planning application states that the commercial elements - including restaurant units with outdoor seating - would aim to increase the location's vitality and encourage people to stay longer.
Castle Square would continue to host public and creative events through the year. The planning application shows no net loss of useable public open space.
The design document goes on: "Any new building and enhancements must be of a high quality design, accessible and sustainable, and complementing Swansea's central area and its heritage."
Businesses involved in the designs include architects ACME, development manager Spider Projects and structural specialists Civic Engineers.
Planning consultants Savills have been working on Castle Square on behalf of the council which is driving a £1bn regeneration of Swansea.
As part of the formal planning process for this development the public can have their say on the planning application consultation until September 5. We'd like as much public feedback as possible.
ACME founding director Friedrich Ludewig said: "We are revitalising an important civic space with terraced seating areas, new access routes, a playful water feature and biodiverse planting."
The Castle Square proposals can be seen online.
Image: The proposed new-look Castle Square.