Work to develop a derelict pub into student accommodation is finally expected to begin.
The plans for the former Cape Horner pub in Fabian Way involve the demolition of the existing building, and the construction of a three-storey building to provide a 72-bedroom property, with car and cycle parking, and access from Miers Street.
Hawkfire Developments, which is behind the scheme, had its original application for the site rejected by Swansea Council in 2018, despite being recommended for approval by officers, on the grounds of its impact on social cohesion in the area and its effect on the “streetscene”.
READ MORE: Bar closes for the rest of January because it will lose more money staying open
The company appealed to Welsh Government inspectors who overturned the council's decision and approved the scheme. You can read more about the Cape Horner pub and what life was like there, including the time someone turned up at the bar with a horse, here.
The ruling noted that local shops would benefit from increased footfall, and ordered developers to contribute £32,377 towards traffic regulation orders and provide a new bike-pedestrian path.
The new development will have 11 parking spaces and students who are not allocated a space will not be allowed to bring a car to the site.
Last month the company submitted a minor amendment to the approved plans, to reduce the size of a corner of the building. It is now expected that work will begin by spring.
A spokesman for Hawkfire Developments, said: "We have had to change the footprint of the building slightly and change the drainage, but they are relatively minor changes to the scheme, to allow us to start building. We hope to begin work by April or May".
Councillor for St Thomas ward, Joe Hale, said: "A lot of residents are keen to see something done with the site, but I'm still not sure how student accommodation fits in with such a residential area. It will see accommodation for students who would largely be aged between 18 and 25 in what is a relatively older populated area of the ward, and it has the potential to bring noise issues. We already have accommodation for hundreds of students coming to Kings Road across Fabian Way nearby and I think there would be issues for the changing of the demographic of the area so quickly. Over a period of time perhaps it could work, but not overnight.
"That said, I would hope it would be successful, even though the site could have been put to an alternative use. The area is a very welcoming ward, and I can vouch for that coming from south London."
The Cape Horner pub was once at the heart of the St Thomas community, but closed in 2010 - despite being warmly remembered by former locals.
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