The project was supported by the City and County of Swansea, Welsh Government and private developer contributions. The design and supervision of the project has been provided by the City and County of Swansea, with the phased construction delivered by the Authority’s in-house Highway Construction Unit, T.Richard Jones Ltd and Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd.
The majority of the routes alignment traces that of the former Swansea Canal, through the historically sensitive area known as the Hafod Copperworks. During the 19th Century the area was regarded as the crucible for global copper industry and played a key role in the growth of the region.
The works have produced an attractive gateway into Swansea, using high quality materials and delivered in a sensitive manner, so as to support rather than compromise the character and redevelopment aspirations of the Hafod Copperworks. The road supports alternative sustainable transport modes and provides an efficient alternative route away from the residential area of the Hafod which is designated as an Air Quality Zone.
The option for redeveloping the riverside corridor was first considered over thirty years ago, but the challenges imposed by ground contamination, the nationally important industrial heritage and funding constraints restricted its delivery. Only through a considered approach towards each was the project supported and eventually delivered, having evidenced a number of key delivery targets.
- Create a transport corridor to support the development of the riverside.
- Address air quality issues in the Hafod
- Maximise training and upskilling of local community
- Support the character and heritage of the former Copperworks site
- Support sustainable transport modes
Develop a delivery programme that maximised private investment match funding opportunities.
