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Thursday, August 28, 2008, 09:00
A dramatic change is about to hit Swansea's skyline with construction well underway on Wales's tallest residential building.
Post business reporter SHAUN GREANEY looks at what the tower will say about the city — and asks whether others will follow.
THE ugly, lovely town of Dylan Thomas is facing a big change.
Very big, in fact — because Wales's tallest residential building is on the way up in Swansea.
People are now getting an idea of what the new structure will look like as it becomes a more prominent part of our skyline.
Situated between the marina and the promenade, the central core of the Ferrara Tower part of the Meridian Quay development is now at level 12.
On completion in November 2008, the building will stand 350ft.
With 28 storeys and 291 residential apartments, the top two floors of Ferrara Tower will be taken up by restaurants that will provide some of the best views of Swansea Bay and beyond.
Chris Pembridge, associate director at Atkins, the company responsible for providing civil, structural and building services for the project, said: "The building is already an icon in the area, and we're delighted with the progress made to date.
"Once complete, it will provide Swansea with a truly inspirational structure that not only complements the regeneration of the area but represents a bright new era for the city."
He said the project had given the structural team a chance to demonstrate its skills in developing tall building design.
"It's great to be able to use these skills at local level and see a development of this scale being realised in Swansea," said Mr Pembridge.
Working on behalf of Earthquake, Atkins, the lead developer, has been involved in the building project from its inception with project architect Latitude.
The company has also worked closely with Carillion in finalising the design and delivery of the construction.
Surpassing the Alto Lusso building in Cardiff as the tallest residential building in Wales, the oval structure will also be taller than the Capitol Tower (Pearl House) office block, also in Cardiff.
Jim Sharman, of developer Earthquake, said: "This is an exciting time for Swansea. We are delighted to be part of the overall plan for the city, which is moving forward into a new era of regeneration.
"Meridian Quay will make a true statement underpinning Swansea's vision to create an upbeat future."
Meanwhile, council leader Chris Holley believes the city's skyline could see a number of major changes.
"I think Meridian Quay will have a huge effect on business because it will be a statement about what the city will be.
"Yes, I do expect the city skyline to see some changes by 2020, with more high-rise buildings built in clusters around the city."
He added: "I doubt there'll be any more high-rise structures built near Meridian Quay — but, you know, it's possible.
"As long as you put adequate facilities in the developments, people will want to get involved. I mean, there's no reason you can't have a swimming pool on the 36th floor of a building."
But will Swansea's image — and that of its lovely bay — be changed for the worse?
Councillor Holley said: "As long as a building doesn't go up on the foreshore, I don't think it'll spoil our beautiful bay.
"It's a question of where these buildings go, how they're clustered, and exactly what we want out of them.
"It's a question of mix and match — employment and residential — so, yes, inevitably our skyline's going to change. We've just got to make sure it changes for the better."
Earthquake's Brad Wood believes the tower can only be good for Swansea.
"It will lift the profile of the city.
"Those who visit Meridian Quay will be arriving at a destination; those who take a potential client or existing customer to the top of the tower will be able to show them exactly what Swansea has to offer — a spectacular coastline right next to a busy city centre.
"Visitors will be impressed.
"There's no other UK city with such an expanse of beautiful beach only two minutes from the heart of the city centre.
"Anyone being encouraged to invest in Swansea will see Meridian Quay and realise just what the city can offer them in business and lifestyle terms. It will bring people into the city and the marina."
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