Swansea Council has announced it is seeking a contractor to transform Castle Square Gardens.

The council has moved forward by putting out the transformation project to tender this week.

The plans include:

• An increased amount of greenery, including new lawns, ornamental and biodiverse planting

• Two pavilion buildings for food, drink or retail businesses - one with an accessible green roof

• A new water feature for interactive play

• New giant TV screen above a bandstand-style facility

• New outdoor seating areas

There will be new planters, steps, seating, lighting and paving. The existing leaf boat feature will be removed to another suitable Swansea location in consultation with the original artist.


Council leader Rob Stewart said: "Castle Square Gardens is an iconic feature of our city centre and the re-greening of the area will help boost the city centre's transformation, attract more shoppers and be a focal point for events.

"We'll be looking for a very high-quality principle contractor with a track record of delivering great projects of the kind we're looking for in Castle Square Gardens.

"The feedback, thoughts, ideas and observations from the public mean that we'll be creating something that complements our £1bn regeneration programme across the wider city centre and our contractor will be turning that vision into reality.

"It'll be a modern, functional and well maintained public space which can accommodate a range of events, arts and cultural experiences."

The scheme's commercial elements - including restaurant units with outdoor seating - aim to increase the location's vitality and encourage people to stay longer.

Castle Square Gardens will continue to host public and creative events through the year. There will be no net loss of useable public open space.

Contractors have until 01 June 1 to submit bids.