What Great Neighborhoods Do — and What We Can Do Here

Five real examples of communities that transformed themselves using hard-nosed legal tools — and what Coolock Village can learn from them.

🔗 Read more at coolockvillage.ie

What Is Actually Wrong with Coolock Village

A plainspoken look at the specific problems along Main Street: vacancy, traffic conflict, footpath condition, and the identity gap.

🔗 Read more at coolockvillage.ie

SWANSEA: 186 homes planned for Penplas – including derelict supermarket site

Plans have been unveiled to build 186 new homes on land in Penplas that has stood derelict for nearly three decades.

The proposals focus on three sites off Milford Way — including the former Leo’s superstore, which has remained vacant since it was demolished in the mid-1990s.

Developers say the scheme could finally bring the long-neglected land back into use, delivering new housing for local families and first-time buyers.

The plans have been submitted to Swansea Council for pre-application consideration by housing association Codi (previously known as Pobl), working in partnership with building firm Morganstone and the local authority.

If approved, the development would form a key part of wider efforts to regenerate the Penderi area, which covers Blaenymaes, Portmead, Penplas and Cadle.

The move comes amid growing demand for housing in Swansea, particularly in established communities where younger generations are struggling to stay close to family.

Local resident Dylan Jones said the plans could help keep communities together.

He said: “New houses are very much needed in this area. People who grow up here naturally want to live near to their parents and friends when they start their own families.”

He added: “We are a proud community, who always look out for each other, and these proposals look like they will also enable those who may want to downsize from family homes as they get older.”

The new homes are expected to be modern and energy efficient, with developers promising lower energy bills and environmentally friendly design.

Plans also include improved green spaces and better links between different parts of the neighbourhood, reflecting feedback from local residents.

The development builds on wider regeneration work already underway in Penderi, including the launch of a major masterplan aimed at transforming the area, as previously reported when a long-term vision for the community was unveiled.

It also follows significant investment in existing homes, including a groundbreaking energy retrofit scheme that has seen hundreds of properties fitted with solar panels to cut costs and carbon emissions — part of what we reported as the UK’s largest project of its kind.

Codi says the latest proposals are another step in a long-term commitment to the area, where it has been a landlord for more than 30 years.

Development director Claire Tristham said the plans are about more than just housing.

She said: “These proposals add another step in delivering high-quality, energy-efficient homes providing comfortable, affordable homes.”

She added: “Regeneration here isn’t short term — it’s a long-term commitment to people, place and opportunity.”

The scheme is still at an early stage, with further consultation expected before any formal planning application is submitted.

But for many in Penplas, the prospect of finally seeing the long-empty supermarket site brought back to life could mark a turning point for the area.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Masterplan launched to transform a Swansea community
The wider vision behind regeneration plans in Penderi.

Contract awarded for largest UK energy retrofit of its kind in Penderi
Major investment has already upgraded hundreds of existing homes in the area.

UK’s largest energy retrofit scheme reaches milestone in Swansea community
Ongoing work to cut energy bills and emissions for local residents.

One Million Cheers! Arena smashes visitor record as stars flock to city

The milestone highlights the arena’s rapid rise as a major draw for live events, conferences, and community gatherings, contributing significantly to the city’s ongoing regeneration efforts.

The venue, a central component of the Copr Bay development, was built by Swansea Council and received part-funding from the Swansea Bay City Deal. It is operated by ATG Entertainment.

Swansea Council Leader Cllr Rob Stewart commented on the achievement: “Welcoming one million visitors in just a few years is a fantastic milestone for the Swansea Building Society Arena.”

He added that the arena has “quickly established itself as one of the most important cultural and economic assets in our city, attracting audiences from across Wales and beyond.”

Beyond the headline acts, the arena also hosts a variety of other events, including exhibitions, graduations, and local community activities, which are credited with increasing footfall and activity in the Copr Bay area.

Matt Blackhouse, Venue Director at the Swansea Building Society Arena, acknowledged the diverse programming: “Reaching the one million visitor mark is a huge moment for the arena which reflects the wide range of events that have taken place here since opening.”

He noted that the venue has hosted “live music, comedy, theatre, conferences, banquets and graduations, as well as creative learning activities and community events.”

Since its opening, the arena has attracted numerous high-profile performers, including The Manic Street Preachers, Bob Dylan, and Wet Wet Wet. Comedians such as John Bishop have also performed, alongside touring productions like Riverdance and Mamma Mia.

Upcoming events for 2026 and beyond include performances by 10cc, comedian Russell Howard, and Ocean Colour Scene, indicating a continued busy schedule for the venue.

The arena’s success is frequently cited by the local authority as evidence of the positive impact of investment in cultural infrastructure on the city’s economy and reputation.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Jack Whitehall announces Swansea date on huge 2027 arena tour
Another major name added to the growing list of acts choosing Swansea for big‑ticket shows.

Swansea Arena nears million milestone as star acts line up
The venue edges towards a landmark year as more high‑profile performers head to the city.

Squeeze set for Swansea Arena date on 2026 UK tour
The latest addition to a packed touring calendar bringing big‑name music back to Swansea.

Swansea events venue changes name in multi‑year partnership
A major rebrand for the city’s flagship venue as it strengthens its long‑term future.

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PORTHCAWL: £1.3m project to transform car park into vibrant public space to begin

The project in the popular seaside town of Porthcawl will see the existing car park close on 20 March 2026.

Bridgend County Borough Council say the closure will make way for a high-quality public space designed to support community activity, events, businesses and improved access between key areas of the town centre and the Metrolink.

The larger adjacent Hillsboro North car park will remain open as usual for residents and visitors.

The council say the new space is the latest step in the town’s wider waterfront regeneration scheme, which has seen significant changes in recent years.

Those changes included the closure of the iconic Coney Beach Amusement Park.

The council say the development will also celebrate the site’s heritage and history through the reinstatement of historic rail features, while creating a greener, attractive and accessible environment for residents and visitors.

Active travel improvements will also be made as part of the scheme, with the council promising improved links to the Metrolink and town centre, a new toucan pedestrian crossing, and a new route connecting Dock Street with the town centre.

Other key features of the scheme include pop-up business units, a flexible public space capable of hosting events and activities, informal play features, and wildflower planting.

It comes after some previous regeneration plans in the town were scaled back after resident pressure, and follows difficulties with other local projects such as the failed Maritime Centre.

However, the town is one of several in Wales to benefit from a multi-million-pound pledge to revive town centres.

Cllr Neelo Farr, Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing said: “The work is intended to create a more welcoming, accessible and environmentally sustainable gateway into Porthcawl town centre and the high-quality nature of this work will offer a visible snapshot into what we are trying to achieve with the wider waterfront regeneration scheme.”

Cllr Farr added: “This represents an exciting opportunity that will benefit residents, businesses and visitors and it’s pleasing to that the town’s railway heritage is reflected in the plans, while also offering flexibility to use the public space for a variety of events and business opportunities.”

**60.2% vaccinated—but hesitancy is a biological literacy crisis, not social capital.** Larsson’s study links vaccine doubt to radical life extension’s fate. **#Cryonics #LifeExtension #Nanomedicine #HeadTransplant #FutureMedicine #Transhumanism #CRISPR #Regeneration #NeuralInterface #Longevity #MedicalFrontier #BodyReplacement** Credit: Dr. Brent Allen Jensen.

Full essay: https://telegra.ph/THE-60-BARRIER-IS-NOT-SOCIAL-CAPITALIT-IS-BIOLOGICAL-LITERACY-03-12