Fifty-seven flats, cafés, restaurants and a courtyard inspired by a historic city centre street could be next for part of the old St David’s Shopping Centre site.
You can see the first ideas at Y Storfa on Monday 2 November, between 10.30am and 5.30pm. Residents and businesses are invited to drop in and give their views, Swansea Council says.
What Frog Yard could look like on the old St David’s site
The new public courtyard would be called Frog Yard, inspired by the historic Frog Street in Swansea city centre, according to the council.
Early images show a pale brick apartment block over a terracotta-red ground floor, with the Frog Yard name set into the wall beside the courtyard entrance.
Another shows café tables in the courtyard under a yellow canopy, with shopfronts signed Caffi and Restaurant.
Urban Splash and Rob Stewart on what comes next for Porth Copr
The scheme, called 7 Porth Copr, is the next phase of the regeneration of the land around St David’s Church.
Behind it is Urban Splash, the council’s regeneration partner, which is still exploring options for the site.
Its development director, David Warburton, said the firm was “looking forward to showing people what could come next at Porth Copr”.
He added: “We’re at an early stage and want local people to help shape the plans, so we’d encourage everyone to come along, take a look and share their views.”
Council leader Cllr Rob Stewart said the proposals were “initial ideas on how we can phase the redevelopment of Porth Copr”.
He said: “We want to develop these proposals with the people of Swansea and hear what people think before proposals are developed any further.”
The council was “determined to see this part of Swansea city centre brought back into use, with more homes, businesses, shops and public spaces helping support the wider city centre”, he added.
Porth Copr buildings still in use need a relocation plan first
Some buildings in the Porth Copr area are still in use, and talks with the organisations using them are continuing, the council says.
A plan to relocate them and repurpose the buildings will need to be agreed before any construction starts. The council has not said which organisations are involved.
From St David’s Shopping Centre to Frog Yard
St David’s Shopping Centre opened in 1982. The council and Welsh Government bought it in 2011, and by spring 2021 it had been flattened.
The 375-space St David’s car park came down this year, and was all but gone by late September.
The bishop signs that welcomed drivers into town for four decades were saved for Swansea Museum before demolition began.
Last year the council also announced a council-owned office block for up to 800 people on land beside the old shopping centre site, with construction then due to start in spring 2026.
No planning application has gone in for 7 Porth Copr yet. An online chance to comment is due to be announced soon, with more consultation promised before any application is submitted.
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