South Wales Evening Post - 26 August 2008
SWANSEA city centre has been dealt a blow with the news that the £30 million flagship Princess Way development will not be ready in time for Christmas.
The scheme, on the site of the former David Evans store, was hoped to be a lynchpin in turning around the city centre's fortunes.
It was seen as a major magnet to attract shoppers back into the city centre from out-of-town shopping schemes in Fforestfach and Morfa.
News that the site will not be ready in time for the festive shopping season will shock traders.
Ray Tilley, at The Money Shop, said: "Obviously we are very much in favour of the redevelopment of the city centre as it is going to benefit the traders here.
"The news that it is not going to be ready is unfortunate, to put it mildly, and very disappointing."
Council leader Chris Holley said the timescale for the massive 70,000 sq ft development is now likely to see it opening "before Easter".
Heavy rain is being blamed for the delays — it had been hoped the three-storey scheme would be open by Christmas and would play a major part in resurrecting the fortunes of the entire city centre.
Councillor Holley said: "It's just a question that they have had a few problems, they have got over them, but it has rained so much that they have been stuck with some of the building time wise."
Slater Menswear, fashion giant Zara and JT Morgan have all signed up to the scheme.
But there have been no new names added for some time, although shoppers are hoping for a big name company to come to the city.
Speculators have suggested H&M and Zavvi (formerly Virgin Megastore), but nothing official has been confirmed. H&M has dismissed rumours it has signed up to come to the city but has not ruled out a future move.
Councillor Holley said London-based Thurleigh Estates was pushing the scheme forward.
"I know they are confident one of the other units will be going as soon as they have finished it," he said.
"The face of Swansea is really changing for the better with so much investment and development in the city centre and on the waterfront.
"This new retail complex will give the city centre another boost, and will increase footfall and further strengthen Swansea's reputation as a retail destination.
"High Street names like Zara at the complex will make a wonderful contrast, with our unique selection of small independent stores and historic indoor market that combine to make the city so distinctive."
Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Economic and Strategic Development, councillor Gareth Sullivan, said: "The sight of this landmark new retail complex on Princess Way is further evidence of the improvements taking place in the city centre."
Councillor Holley denied rumours that Zara had pulled out.
"They are committed but unfortunately because of the delay in the building, the weather and all these other reasons they will now be moving in in late Spring time next year ready for the Easter," he said.
"They were hoping to move in before Christmas."
"Zara, JT Morgan, Slater I know they are confirmed. One of the other units will be going as soon as they have finished it."
He said he could not say who will be snapping the unit up.
