South Wales Evening Post - 26 April 2007
The coalition group has put a lot of effort into attracting investment and encouraging growth in the city, and that effort to improve the city centre seems to be paying off.
Millions of pounds of funding has been secured for a spruce up of the main shopping areas. But more than just seeing cosmetic improvements the city is seeing real commitment from businesses.
Big-name shops have announced plans to open up in Swansea and local business leaders say confidence is higher than it has been for years.
Peter Birch, vice-chairman and secretary of Swansea Business Improvement District and chairman of Swansea Independent Traders Association, said: "The city stagnated for so long, but now people are concentrating on the centre again.
"There was a time when developers were looking at out-of-town areas, but that has stopped and they now want to be involved with the centre and to see that thriving again.
"This council has made a brave decision to get the leisure centre reopened and it is reaping the rewards from that and its vision for Swansea."
The council has an overarching view of how it wants Swansea to develop. Business plans and visions for the city centre and Swansea Bay have been drawn up.
These have been favourably received both inside and outside of the city.
Hundreds of firms are looking at investing in the city to make the visions become a reality.The £400 million SA1 development continues to grow and attract new business.
Earlier this year Swansea was named as the second best city in Britain for attracting new businesses. There is a growing reputation for hi-tech firms and expertise that saw Swansea's Technium building listed as one of the best facilities in the world.
Councillor Holley says a lot of work has been done to make the most of the city's facilities.
He said: "We are aiming to develop key sectors in the local economy that are already doing well, such as tourism, computing, life sciences, professional services and creative industries.
"These are very much at the heart of a strong knowledge economy and a revitalised Swansea will be well placed to take advantage of the success story of the city's university, which is a breeding ground for some of the brightest and best entrepreneurs in Wales."
