We are applying for planning permission to build over 150 new homes at University Saint David’s former Townhill Campus in Swansea.
Last year, we were selected as preferred developers by UWTSD after a competitive tender process and if granted planning permission we will take over the 12-acre site with the intention of developing an area in the region of 7.5 acres.
Our proposals seek to provide a rich and diverse mix of new homes, Elfed Roberts, Head of Development (West) explains more:
“Our vision for this new development is to transform the former campus site and deliver a high quality mixed tenure development of 153 new homes that have been designed to make the most of the views and other qualities of the site.
We will preserve the impressive Edwardian college building, overseeing a sensitive conversion and extension of this landmark building into one and two-bedroom apartments that will have spectacular views over Swansea Bay. The remainder of the development will see the inclusion of a new landscaped urban square, generous amenity space and a good mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes as well as a small convenience store.
We also want to conserve and maintain a large proportion of mature parkland and open space to benefit both the new residents and existing adjacent community.”
UWTSD’s staff and students were relocated from the Townhill campus to their new SA1 Swansea Waterfront location at the end of this year’s summer term in order to start the new academic year at their new state-of-the-art facility.
We will be submitting our full planning application in December and are holding a public consultation event on 11th December, 2pm-7pm in the Phoenix Centre, Townhill. This will allow people living in the area the opportunity to find out more about our proposals and comment on the plans.
Elfed continued:
“Pobl will be developing homes at Townhill Campus across the affordable housing spectrum; to rent at affordable levels, to buy through shared ownership and Help to Buy, and we will also offer some for sale on the open market. This means we can be flexible, offering homes that meet the needs and demands of the local market.
When Pobl was formed, we committed to building 3,000 new homes across Wales within the first 5 years. Two years in and we’re well on our way, and this exciting development will help us to achieve our ambition of increasing the supply of homes that people can comfortably afford in the Swansea area”
Professor Medwin Hughes, DL, Vice-Chancellor of UWTSD said
“In selecting Pobl Group’s tender, the University was mindful of the need to ensure the continued sustainability of the community in Townhill, as well as to ensure that there will be a lasting legacy on the site. A key factor in our decision was the fact that Pobl intend preserving the original Edwardian building, as well as the Group’s reputation for delivering such schemes in a sympathetic manner to their environment. The University’s partnership with Pobl in Swansea is delivering a range of benefits to the city and its people and, in particular, both parties are keen to demonstrate their commitment to the Uplands and Townhill wards.”
