Swansea's sustainable offices for creative tech sector

Above: CGI of new development at 71 / 72 The Kingsway in Swansea (Swansea Council)

Ahead of Future Cities Forum's climate change event around COP 27, we look at progress on building sustainable office space for the creative and tech sector in Wales.

Due for completion in 2023, 71/72 Kingsway will provide space for 600 jobs in sectors like tech, digital and the creative industries. Once complete, the development which Bouygues UK is building for Swansea Council, will be carbon zero in operation and worth £32.6 million a year to Swansea’s economy.

Bouygues UK states:

'With the foundation works now complete, the construction of the new building has now begun. Set over five levels, 71/72 Kingsway will include 114,000 square feet of commercial floor space featuring flexible co-working and networking opportunities. A new link between Oxford Street and The Kingsway will also be constructed.'

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, said:

'Anyone who’s been to the city centre recently will have noticed three giant cranes towering over The Kingsway – two at the new office development site, and the other at the ‘living building’ site that Hacer Developments is constructing nearby.

'These cranes are a sign of even more progress for our city centre, following-on from major environmental improvements on The Kingsway and Wind Street, and the opening of attractions like Swansea Arena and the coastal park as part of our Copr Bay destination.

'Despite the pandemic, demand continues to be high for office developments like that being constructed at 71/72 The Kingsway. This will help retain our young business talent in Swansea, create even more jobs for local people and generate more footfall and spending in the city centre.

'It’s fantastic to see work forging ahead on site as the £1 billion transformation of Swansea continues at pace.'

Other features of the new development include a green roof terrace and balconies overlooking the city centre and Swansea Bay.