Major Swansea student scheme set to move forward

Plans for a £35m purpose built student accommodation scheme (PBSA) rising to 11 storeys at a site in Swansea are set to move forward after being recommended for approval.Listed property business Watkin Jones is seeking permission to redevelop the site of Ty Nant, which previously housed the Valuation Office Agency and is situated next to Swansea railway station in the city centre.The current building is due to become fully vacant imminently and a prior notification application has already been approved in relation to its demolition.A 370-bedspace building is to be built at the cleared site, ranging from five to 11 storeys in height. The scheme also incorporates amenity space, landscaping, improvements to the public realm, and car and cycle parking.Extensive water, carbon and energy saving sustainability features are included and a BREEAM “excellent” rating is being targeted.The 370 bedspaces will consist of a mix of student accommodation within cluster flats and studios.According to a report to be scrutinised by a Swansea Council planning committee tomorrow (3 August), the proposed development is at a highly sustainable location and would represent a significant regeneration of this site and will make a contribution to the growing demand for PBSA.Other benefits include regeneration of the area, while an active frontage at ground floor level would further seek to discourage antisocial behaviour in the area.It is concluded that the application is acceptable and recommended for approval.The Ty Nant scheme is Watkin Jones’ second PBSA scheme in the city, following the nearby 967-bed St David’s development.