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Search forSwansea landmark site flats bid
Wednesday, August 20, 2008, 08:00
Swansea Housing Association wants to turn the former Castle Cinema, at Worcester Place, into 34 one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments.
If all goes to plan, the work will start in April 2010, with completion two years later.
The site, which is a Grade II listed building, is currently the home of high-tech action game company Laserzone.
A spokeswoman for Swansea Housing Association, which has bought an option on the building, said the plans include 20 one-bed and 14 two-bed flats.
They would either be sold or rented, depending on market conditions.
"We are planning to retain the front and rear elevations and are in discussion with conservation officers at Swansea Council," she said.
"It will be a sensitive re-development."
It is not known how much the planned development will cost at this stage.
Swansea Housing Association is behind several other projects in the city, including the redevelopment of the old Barons nightclub, on College Street, a £22 million High Street revamp including 175 affordable homes, plus a residential development at the Prince of Wales Dock in SA1.
Laserzone director Richard Jones, who also owns the building itself, said he had been looking to develop the site for a number of years.
"It's very difficult being a listed building," he said.
Swansea-based urban designer Gordon Gibson said: "Any project that maintains its history and brings it back to a more active life is probably welcome.
"Swansea Housing Association's record in the city is pretty good, but one would want to keep a watching brief."
Because of the building's listed status, Welsh heritage group Cadw will consider the application if council planners recommend approval.
Cadw can call the plans in, or refer the matter to a minister.
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