Developer selected for landmark waterfront site

Mar 28 2008 by Aled Blake, Western Mail

THE preferred developer for a multi-million-pound city waterfront development has been named by Swansea Council.

Plymouth-based Sutton Harbour Group has been provisionally selected to take the lead on the Sailbridge project which links the SA1 development and Maritime Quarter.

The Sutton Harbour Group plans to create a public square, or festival space, surrounded by bars, restaurants and offices. Also included in the proposal are 300 residential properties and public car parking.

The proposed development is the latest phase of the City Centre Strategic Framework which has highlighted key development sites. In January developers Hammerson and design specialists Urban Splash were appointed to transform major sites including the Quadrant and St David’s sites and car parks at Paxton Street and County Hall to create landmark retail, leisure and residential sites.

Nigel Godefroy, chief executive of the Sutton Harbour Group, said, “We’re delighted to be involved in such a prestigious project and it is a fantastic opportunity to reclaim an under-used brownfield site for the benefit of the city by creating a new destination along the waterfront.

“This is our first major regeneration scheme in South Wales and is a perfect fit with our strategy of delivering landmark waterfront developments including projects we are leading in Plymouth, Exeter and Portland in Dorset.”

Swansea and Cardiff-based architects firm Powell Dobson will be involved in the design work in the project.

Powell Dobson director Andrew Nixon, said, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work on one of the most strategically important city centre projects for over a decade.

“The creation of a coherent active water frontage and a new festival space with strong links through the Maritime Quarter to the SA1 development are key to the success of the project.

“We look forward to working with the Swansea Council and the Sutton Harbour Group in bringing to life what is a very exciting urban design challenge.”

Swansea council leader Chris Holley said, “There is huge interest in Swansea with world-class developers lined-up to revitalise key locations in the city centre and along the waterfront.

“The interest shown by Sutton Harbour Group and other leading developers is further proof of the potential Swansea has to become a major waterfront city and the confidence shown by the private sector in helping us to deliver our ambitions.

“The Sailbridge site is a key development location which will create even stronger links between the city centre and the waterfront.

“The site can become a thriving and modern hub where people can live, work and relax in a fantastic location along the waterfront.”

Gareth Sullivan, the council’s cabinet member for economic development, said, “We have a clear strategy in place to regenerate the waterfront and strengthen its links to the city centre.

“Sutton Harbour Group has a proven track record of waterfront regeneration and has played a leading role in transforming Plymouth into a vibrant waterfront city.

“We look forward to working with them during the coming months to develop their plans.”