Plan for fantasy island to light up city's SA1
A FANTASY island and bridge could light up Swansea's SA1 at night — giving the city a romantic waterside attraction unlike anything else in the UK.
Consultants have put forward the ambitious proposals for the Prince of Wales Dock as part of a new plan for public art projects in and around the giant redevelopment site.
New lights around the Ice House Square, an artwork trail, sound mirrors, an innovative lifting bridge across the new dock entrance and even a tidal organ are among their proposals.
The Public Art Strategy for SA1, which is expected to be endorsed by Swansea Council's cabinet this week, also examines the potential for forming links with existing organisations to bring them into the overall strategy.
It follows last week's announcement that £38 million worth of investment had been approved for the city centre and waterfront, including a European-style boulevard.
Cabinet member for economic and strategic development Gareth Sullivan said: "Public artworks can make a positive contribution to the built environment by ornamenting public space and engaging with the onlooker.
"They can also function as an indicator of investment activity and economic vitality.
"Public art projects need to be integrated with the public realm in order to create a variety of public spaces offering different experiences for people of all ages — such as places to relax, places to be active and places to be entertained."
Swansea Council has £1.1 million available in contributions from developers at SA1, while public art management organisation Celfwaith was appointed consultant to prepare the strategy.
Assuming Thursday's cabinet meeting approves the plan, a steering group will then be set up.
The next stage will be to prioritise the ideas put forward by Celfwaith in terms of budget, time scale and site availability.
One of the most exciting proposals involves the Prince of Wales Dock, where the idea of a bridge and artificial island have been mooted in the past, but have as yet come to nothing.
Celfwaith, however, says: "We believe there is scope to re-examine these ideas, but instead of high- cost fixed structures, we recommend exploring the use of floating structures.
"Walking on water has always had a fascination for people, and we believe one of the must-see elements of SA1 could be the development of a series of floating structures on the dock.
"These could introduce an element of fantasy to SA1 and offer something no other UK city has."
The consultants are proposing a floating bridge between the north and south ends of the dock, incorporating a floating island that could host events and become a major attraction in its own right.
There could also be scope for it to be linked to a flexible arts pavilion, a shell structure that could be used open or closed and would be available for events and performances.
"The floating island could be one of the most romantic and iconic places to eat, dance or listen to music," their report says.
Celfwaith said it would also be practical and cost- effective, could attract further funds and could become famous throughout the UK, and possibly much further.
The report adds: "It introduces a playful element to SA1 that will appeal across the generations and make the development appropriate as a settlement for life."
For more details of the proposals, see tonight's Evening Post.
16 Comments
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by steve, swansea
Wednesday, October 07 2009, 10:40AM
“public art is ok, but isnt used and adds verr little, and is usually rubbish. the money should be spent on a series of small parks providing play arears and leisure spaces. that will increase the quality of life for residents of these areas, and provide a reason for people to visit and create some atmosphere. which is surely lacking at present!”
by Happy Shopper, Fantasy island
Wednesday, October 07 2009, 10:16AM
“Is this the same scheme Cardigan council had the good sense to chuck out earlier this year when proposed for the river Teifi?
Knowing Swansea council it will probably be accepted here as they're grateful for every little crumb that comes our way, whether it's beneficial to the city or not.
Prepare for the spin onslaught from Holey”
by Reptile, Swansea
Wednesday, October 07 2009, 10:11AM
“Yet again another bird-brained idea, the £1.1 million could be much better used in areas of the city desperate for investment.
Some of these grandiose schemes this City proposes are the stuff of legend - forget street art and rid the City of the street urchins.
Was walking down High Street this morning on way to work, could not get past the area around CK's shop opposite the train station for a gang of hobo's swilling from lager cans and cider bottles and not a policeman in sight.
This is the sight visitors to swansea see daily, not some fancy dan light show, clear up the problems on our door steps before contemplating wasting money on ridiculous notions.”
by J, Swansea
Wednesday, October 07 2009, 9:26AM
“I think it sounds a good idea but would like to see the City get the groundwork in first. Lets focus on what is in desperate need to get footfall back to Swansea - we have a great concert venue in the Liberty Stadium but it is hardly used - is there a reason for this - is there just no interest in people playing Swansea - if so why not. Lets get the foundations sorted before we start putting the icing on the cake”
by Gowerview, SA1
Wednesday, October 07 2009, 9:14AM
“sounds a well intended , positive idea. Unfortunately in the big picture it's these are probably finishing touches that are reachable on a modest budget.
Swansea needs to get the job started before the million pound 'touch ups.
There are no signs of landmark schemes. The last 5 years have not brought a 21st century makeover , indoor ice rink, concert venue etc.
The city needs landmark action by the assembly and council and private partners.
This will take substantial funding . The city centre will hopefully be given priority. SA1 could be the perfect location for an indoor ice rink.
The light show idea is good though if not low budget stuff once again.”
by Ron, Adelaide South Australia
Wednesday, October 07 2009, 8:48AM
“As an old Swansea boy this sounds good to me, why not add a laser show, as they do in Sydney's darling harbour??”
by Albert, The Mumbles
Wednesday, October 07 2009, 7:54AM
“This sounds like a great idea, my only concern is the lack of public transport to Ice House Square. Surely the council could run the bendy bus through SA1?”
by Mike, Swansea
Wednesday, October 07 2009, 7:49AM
“So if we get fed up with the boulevard we can go and sit on our island.
For Gods sake haven't we better things to do with 1.1M”
by jayne, swansea
Wednesday, October 07 2009, 7:39AM
“Hmmm a fantasy island that will be lit up at night? At a time when we are all being encouraged to go green and reduce our carbon footprint....I wonder how much our council tax will increase to fund the extra lighting costs?”
by James, Swansea
Tuesday, October 06 2009, 7:56PM
“All we now need is to recruit our very own Ricardo Montelban and 'Tutu', to Market Swansea's Fantasy Island, if the plans are approved!”