A nondescript city centre block in Swansea, partially occupied by a McDonald's restaurant, is set for a significant revamp. Proposals to refurbish the building, add a five-storey extension at one end and create a new upper floor along the rest of the block have been submitted to Swansea Council.
The revamped building on the corner of Oxford Street and Princess Way would feature 29 one and two-bedroom flats, a small retail unit, and facilities for cycle and bin storage.
The McDonald's restaurant would continue to operate, but solely on the ground floor, as opposed to its current two-floor operation. The neighbouring Taco Bell unit would remain intact.
If approved, this project by Kartay Holdings Ltd would mark the fourth major development in the immediate vicinity.
A design and access statement submitted on behalf of Kartay Holdings highlighted that the block was in poor condition, suffered from a leaky roof and required upgrades to meet current building regulations, reports .
"Principally the proposal will improve the overall townscape of Swansea city centre and the street-scape of Oxford Street in a visually prominent location," it stated.
The refurbished building would be powered by air source heat pumps, with electricity generated via rooftop solar panels. The roof of the extension would be adorned with plants.
"The perimeter of the site will be well lit with building lighting and CCTV coverage to the residential entrances and the rear access lane," added the design and access statement. "Additional features will include enhanced security doors and windows and an intruder alarm system."
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Kartay Holdings plans to let the flats privately and indicated it hoped to commence construction, pending planning consent, once the neighbouring council-led Castle Square transformation had reached a point where public disruption would be kept to a minimum.
The Castle Square scheme, which began this summer, seeks to establish a more environmentally-friendly and inviting central area within the city whilst introducing two pavilion structures for hospitality or retail purposes.
The authority anticipates the project, being delivered by Knights Brown, will reach completion by late 2026.
The council is also developing a central facility known as Y Storfa near one edge of Castle Square, which will house the main library alongside other services.