South Wales Evening Post - 22 October 2008
WITH the downturn in the economy, the doom and gloom merchants would have us all pulling our hair out. Here, Post business reporter SHAUN GREANEY finds reasons to be cheerful in South West Wales.
WATCH the news on TV or sample some of our national newspapers and it seems our economy is going down the pan.
You could easily be convinced that economic disaster is on the horizon. Certainly, with the global credit crunch and slowdown in economic growth, the analysts have a point.
But what about South West Wales?
Are we heading for the doldrums or are we well-equipped to emerge from the economic storm clouds without too much suffering?
Well, before we all get too pessimistic, there are some encouraging signs that deserve to be considered.
Undoubtedly, the biggest of these is the billion pound plans to transform several key sites in Swansea city centre.
A co-operation deal has been struck between Swansea Council with preferred developers Hammerson and Urban Splash.
Though the plans — which would see a new look to the St David's/Quadrant area and Paxton Street/County Hall — could take a decade to complete, it is serious money.
The talk is of a major retail-led mixed-use area at the St David's and Quadrant site, with a mixed use waterfront development at County Hall/Paxton Street.
And, can you imagine Oystermouth Road transformed into a "high-quality European boulevard complete with cutting edge architecture and landscaping"?
The council is talking the talk.
Council leader Councillor Chris Holley (pictured above looking at plans for the city centre) is convinced that the council can also walk the walk.
"This is going to be one of the most important redevelopment schemes ever undertaken in Swansea, and will see the city transformed into one equipped to compete with the best in Europe," he said.
"The plans put forward by Hammerson and Urban Splash will breathe new life and investment into the area, and will link a vibrant city centre with a stunning waterfront."
It is hoped the scheme could put Swansea on the international map.
Then there is the Quadrant Bus Station, a long-time eyesore and an uninviting — even threatening — place that has been typical of Swansea's long-standing neglect.
By summer 2010, the dank, dark, dilapidated structure will be replaced by an £11 million state-of- the-art interchange with a passenger concourse, information boards and seating area. Work could start early in the New Year.
Again, Chris Holley is upbeat.
"This will have a major impact on the city centre, he said.
"It will give all our partners in the city centre the confidence that we, as an administration, are going to deliver what we said we were going to deliver."
It will certainly help convey a better image of Swansea to visitors arriving at the station and, if the stale atmosphere is replaced by a modern, comfortable setting, it will help raise a feel-good factor among bus-users and be a boost to the Quadrant.
And, on the jobs front, some 230 posts at the Vehicle and operator Services Agency (Vosa) have been safeguarded by its move to the £7.5 million Ellipse gateway office development in SA1.
It will enable the Swansea operation to provide a new central contact centre to deal with all UK inquiries.
Securing such big employers in the city is key to Swansea's future.
Port Talbot, too, is seeing good news on the jobs front.
Developers behind a £10 million complex, which is set to bring 400 jobs to the town, have insisted it will not be a white elephant.
The complex, to be known as The Exchange, will be built at the thriving Baglan Energy Park and involve a mixture of offices, conference centre, creche and health and fitness suite. Construction is thought likely to start later this year.
Neath Port Talbot council leader Derek Vaughan said: "This exciting project is yet another recognition of the importance of Baglan Energy Park, and our determination as an authority to develop state-of-the-art facilities for business and the public."
Neath also has something to celebrate.
A £3 million luxury hotel on the site of the former Blue Bell Inn is nearing completion, creating 23 jobs.
In Llanelli, a £2 million business centre, the Delta Lakes Enterprise Centre, has been set up for young tycoons.
Staff at the site have been inundated with inquiries from new companies wanting to locate there.
The hi-tech centre has been developed for people aged between 18 and 39 who want to develop new and existing businesses.
Regeneration executive board member Clive Scourfield said: "This is a fantastic development specifically aimed at young companies in Carmarthenshire.
"I am very pleased with the response from the business community.
"We understand the barriers young people face when developing a business, and here they will have all the help they need in the early years to develop sustainable businesses."
And when you think it has been the best-ever year for Swansea's GCSE students — they celebrated record results, outclassing the welsh average — the future may not be as bleak as some are predicting.
Director of regeneration and housing with Swansea Council Phil Roberts said of Swansea: "We have a good overall skills base from which to build, and the critical mass to be a strong driver of prosperity for the regional economy in South West Wales."
