Plans to transform a long-vacant stretch of the River Tawe in Swansea into a new riverside neighbourhood have been published for public feedback. The scheme, led by regeneration partner Urban Splash in collaboration with contractor Lovell and housing provider Codi Group, would create 124 new homes and refreshed open spaces on a site in St Thomas.
What is proposed
The development covers roughly seven acres on the river’s eastern bank just north of the bridges that link St Thomas to Swansea city centre. The plans envisage a mixture of houses and apartments, with affordable units intended to be managed principally by Codi Group. Ground-floor flexible space within a gateway apartment block is earmarked for retail or leisure uses, while improved foot and cycle links will connect the community more directly to the River Tawe.
Proposals also emphasise creation of connected, greener public spaces to knit the new neighbourhood into existing streets and the waterfront. A project website will follow to host plans and gather online responses from residents who cannot attend in-person events.
Public engagement and timing
Residents are invited to two consultation events next week:
- Wednesday — Y Storfa, Oxford Street, 12:30–18:30
- Thursday — St Thomas Church, Lewis Street, 10:30–16:30
The consultations mark an early stage in the planning process, with the developer inviting comment on design, uses and public realm arrangements ahead of any formal planning submission.
“Providing more affordable homes is one of our biggest priorities, and these proposals show how we can do that while transforming a long‑vacant riverside site into a vibrant new neighbourhood,” said Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart, urging residents to take part in shaping the plans.
David Warburton of Urban Splash described the package as a vision for a sustainable neighbourhood that responds to housing need while creating greener public spaces.
Why it matters
The scheme combines aspects of housing delivery, placemaking and riverfront regeneration. For Swansea, the project offers an opportunity to turn underused waterfront land into homes and amenities, and to reconnect St Thomas with the Tawe — an objective many local authorities have pursued to boost leisure value and improve environmental quality along urban waterways.
Affordability is central to the proposal. With Codi Group — Wales’ largest provider of housing, care and support — lined up to manage the majority of affordable units, the development links council priorities on social housing with private-sector delivery capacity. The involvement of Lovell provides experienced housing partnership capability for construction and delivery.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Site area | Seven acres |
| Planned homes | 124 dwellings |
| Lead developer | Urban Splash |
| Partners | Lovell; Codi Group |
| Public consultation | Two events next week; online feedback to follow |
The proposals also reflect wider pressures across UK cities: councils are under constant pressure to increase housing supply, particularly affordable homes, while meeting higher expectations for sustainable public realm and active travel links. Redeveloping brownfield riverfronts can be politically attractive, but also presents design and environmental challenges, including flood risk management, biodiversity protections and community integration.
Next steps and potential outcomes
Following the consultations, feedback will be used to refine the scheme ahead of any planning application. If approved and constructed, the project would add to Swansea’s housing stock and create new riverside amenities that could have knock-on effects on local footfall and small business opportunities in St Thomas.
For local residents the immediate chance to influence layout, public space provision and the balance of affordable housing represents a tangible opportunity to shape a major redevelopment that could define the character of that stretch of the Tawe for decades.
