The developer has launched a public consultation on proposals to repurpose the landmark Brutalist 1980s civic building ahead of submitting a planning application later this year.

Backed by £20m of UK Government funding and being delivered with Swansea Council, the scheme would retain and refurbish the existing structure rather than demolish it.

The redevelopment would create around 140 apartments alongside 15 commercial units, 59,000 sq ft of retail and business space and a 20,000 sq ft aquarium designed as a major visitor attraction.

Plans also include leisure and events space, new cafés, restaurants and bars opening onto the seafront promenade, with a saltwater lido also proposed as part of the wider vision.

Planned Aquarium

Urban Splash said the project adopts a “fabric-first” approach, preserving the building’s embodied carbon while breathing new life into one of Wales’ best-known examples of Brutalist architecture.

The Civic Centre, completed in 1982 as the headquarters for West Glamorgan County Council, has stood largely empty since council staff relocated.

The regeneration forms a key part of Swansea Council’s wider waterfront masterplan, which aims to reconnect the city centre with Swansea Bay through a mix of homes, leisure attractions and commercial development.