A new long‑term plan for the city centre
The draft document, called Future Swansea, sets out how the council wants the city centre and waterfront to develop over the next 8–10 years. According to the Cabinet report, it replaces the previous 2016 framework and will help shape the next Local Development Plan, covering everything from public spaces and walking routes to new homes, jobs and major redevelopment sites.
The plan covers the whole stretch from the seafront to Dyfatty Junction and from the River Tawe to Westway, including key gateways such as St Helens Road and the St Thomas Waterfront site.
(Image: Swansea Council)
Building on recent regeneration
The council says the plan is designed to pull together the next phase of work following a decade of major projects, including the Swansea Arena, the Kingsway and Orchard Street improvements, and new office space at 71/72 Kingsway. More schemes are already underway — such as the Castle Square redevelopment and Copr Bay phase two — with others in the pipeline, including the Civic Centre and St Thomas former station sites.
The new plan aims to bring these strands together into a single long‑term direction for the city centre and waterfront.
Consultation expected to start this month
Cabinet members will decide on February 19 whether to put the plan out to public consultation. If approved, the consultation would run from late February through most of March. A shorter, easy‑read version will also be published so people can see what’s being proposed without having to read the full technical document.
The draft has already been shaped by earlier engagement with more than 1,200 residents, businesses and organisations, according to the Cabinet report.
(Image: Swansea Council)
What the plan focuses on
The council says the plan aims to make Swansea a “vibrant, green and liveable ‘City on the Beach’,” with better public spaces, improved walking and cycling routes, and stronger links between the city centre, the seafront and the river.
It also highlights potential changes around Swansea Market, the Quadrant, St Mary’s, High Street Station and the routes connecting the city centre to the waterfront. These ideas are at an early stage and will be refined after public feedback.
‘A real opportunity to shape the future’
Cllr Robert Francis‑Davies, cabinet member for investment, regeneration, events and tourism, said the consultation would give residents “a real opportunity to shape the future of their city centre and waterfront.”
He said Swansea had already seen significant change in recent years and the new plan “sets out the next steps in creating a greener, more vibrant and more welcoming city for everyone.”
(Image: Swansea Council)
What happens next
If Cabinet signs off the consultation, the draft plan and summary version will be published later this month. Residents will then be able to give feedback until the end of March. The council will review all responses before presenting a final version of the plan to Cabinet for adoption as policy.
Details of how to take part will be announced shortly.
