By Rob Stewart, Leader, Swansea Council

As the leader of Swansea Council and chair of the Swansea Bay City Region, I’ve been asked to undertake a fascinating yet challenging task: to distil the essence and potential of Swansea into a comprehensive narrative. With so much to share and explore, this article is a journey through the transformative and potential-rich landscape of Swansea as we look forward to UKREiiF 2024.

Swansea’s Ambitious Journey

Swansea’s story is not just about urban renewal; it’s about the metamorphosis of a city. In the past five to six years, we have embarked on a transformative journey, reshaping our city to be in tune with the demands of the 21st century. Central to this journey has been the £1.3 billion city deal, a significant investment that has enabled the creation of a new arena and a revitalised city centre.

Strategic Partnerships and Development

The resurgence of our city is further bolstered by strategic partnerships, such as with Urban Splash. This £750 million partnership aims to redevelop seven strategic sites across Swansea, making the most of our picturesque bay, vibrant city centre, and historic river corridor. Among these developments is the notable addition of Penderyn Whisky, which has already opened a distillery along the river corridor, further highlighting the influx of private investment in our city. These sites are not just attractive; they are brimming with investment potential, setting the stage for a new city centre and enhancing our world-class bay area with spaces for retail, living, and leisure.

Skyline’s Investment and Swansea’s Growth Trajectory

A particularly exciting development is Skyline, a New Zealand company, bringing a significant tourist attraction to Swansea. Their project on Kilvey Hill, with its panoramic views of the bay, is expected to attract between 450,000 and 750,000 visitors each year. This development is part of a well-structured plan that is already in motion, marking Swansea as the fastest-growing city in Wales in the next two years.

Investor Readiness: A City Prepared

Swansea stands out in the investment landscape due to our state of readiness. We own the land, have the necessary planning permissions in place, and have a strong track record of delivery. Our message to investors is clear: Swansea is not a distant dream but an imminent reality with tangible opportunities ripe for investment.

The Appeal to Investors

Our appeal to potential investors is grounded in real progress and promising prospects. We have observed a rise in rental values for office and retail spaces, making private sector investment both viable and attractive. The city is emerging as a hotspot for investment, particularly in fields like tech innovation, financial services, and green energy projects.

Education and Workforce: Swansea’s Untapped Resource

The educational institutions in Swansea, including our rapidly expanding universities, Swansea University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), play a vital role in the city’s ecosystem. Our focus is on nurturing a pipeline of skilled individuals who can both contribute to and benefit from the region’s economic growth. By retaining local talent and attracting new skills, Swansea is poised to become a centre of excellence in various sectors, including the digital economy.

Swansea’s Brand Appeal and Future Prospects

Swansea’s increasing appeal is evident in the presence of significant brands and industries, from tech innovators to financial services and green energy projects. Our goal is to build on this growth, creating a cluster effect that attracts further investment and development.

Political stability and regional collaboration

Political stability and regional collaboration are key components of Swansea’s success. With cross-party support and strong relationships with both the UK and Welsh governments, we have created an environment conducive to growth and investment. All our City Deal programmes are in full swing, demonstrating our commitment to comprehensive development.

Looking Ahead: UKREiiF 2024 and Beyond

As UKREiiF 2024 approaches, Swansea stands at a pivotal moment. We are ready to showcase our developments, announce new opportunities, and engage with potential partners. Our vision for Swansea goes beyond physical development; it’s about creating a sustainable, vibrant community that thrives on innovation, inclusivity, and growth.

By Rob Stewart, Leader, Swansea Council