Works starting soon on carbon-zero Kingsway space in Swansea
Contractors Bouygues UK are on site
Construction work will start later this month on a major new office development at the former Oceana nightclub site in Swansea.
The new space at 71/72 The Kingsway will provide for 600 jobs and 114,000 square feet of commercial floorspace to attract tech, digital and creative sector businesses.
Swansea Council – which leads on the five-storey scheme – has signed a contract with main contractor Bouygues UK for the development build.
Its due for completion in the summer of 2023 and the Council says it will be carbon zero and worth £32.6 million to Swansea’s economy once complete and in operation.
The development is part of the Swansea City and Waterfront Digital District project which is part-funded by the £1.3bn Swansea Bay City Deal. It is also supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.
Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said:
“We know some businesses have had to leave Swansea in the past to find the kind of high-quality office accommodation they need, so the new development at 71/72 The Kingsway will tackle that trend while also meeting significant unmet demand.
“Our research shows this remains the case despite Covid having led to far more home working in recent times, with this development providing flexible space that’s fit for the modern office environment.
“We’re delighted our main contractor for this scheme – Bouygues UK – has now established a presence on site as we head towards the start of main construction work. “
As part of its work on the build, Bouygues UK will be working with and supporting local voluntary organisations, providing training, work placements and opportunities for local people, in addition to significant supply chain opportunities for local businesses.
John Boughton, regional Managing Director of Bouygues UK, said:
“To work on such an innovative and environmentally-friendly building is going to be really rewarding for our team and we can’t wait to break ground and get going.”
Two underground levels will also be included as part of the 71/72 The Kingsway development. Public access is planned, as well as a new link between The Kingsway and Oxford Street.
Access to businesses nearby will be maintained throughout the construction works.