Former rugby international and movie actor to tackle iconic city building

Sililo Martens, a Tongan international who once graced the turf for both Swansea RFC and Bridgend RFC, is the man behind a proposal to breathe new life into the historic former Swansea Technical College in Mount Pleasant.

The Grade II listed building, a striking example of Tudor Gothic architecture that has watched over the city for more than a century, could be transformed into 18 one and two-bedroom apartments if the plans are given the green light.

Martens, who also had a role in the Clint Eastwood-directed movie Invictus and the Welsh soap opera Pobl y Cwm, has submitted an application for listed building consent to Swansea Council.

Documents lodged with the council reveal a vision to sympathetically restore the building, which has lain empty since the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) consolidated its city centre campuses.

The plans detail a meticulous refurbishment, including the installation of vintage lighting and Victorian-style coving, skirting boards, and doors to honour the building’s heritage.

A design and access statement submitted on behalf of Martens states: “The conversion will bring the property into beneficial use and utilise a high quality pallet of materials in its conversion.”

The statement also notes that the principle of converting the empty building into flats was deemed acceptable by planning officers during pre-application discussions.

The imposing red-brick structure, which first opened its doors in 1897, holds a special place in the hearts of many Swansea residents who studied there over the decades.

It stands adjacent to the former Swansea Grammar School for Boys, which was heavily damaged during the Second World War’s three-night blitz on the city.

A heritage impact assessment describes the technical college as “amongst the finest structures in Swansea”, praising how its design “cleverly responds to the topography on which it is built”.

The assessment adds: “The remaining historic fabric is still robust and despite substantial interior alterations of the late 20th Century, sufficient historic fabric remains to demonstrate the craftsmanship and exquisite detailing that contributed to this building.”

One of the most intriguing aspects of the proposed conversion is the plan to carefully dismantle a lecture theatre on the third floor, with its timber seats and panelling being repurposed and reused within the new apartments.

The proposal includes no new parking spaces, citing the site’s “excellent public transport” links and proximity to the city’s High Street railway station. Secure cycle storage will be provided in the basement.

Martens is no stranger to the Swansea business scene. In 2018, he opened ‘The Bookshop’, a popular bar and coffee shop in a former bookshop in the city’s trendy Uplands area.

This latest venture marks a significant step into property development for the former scrum-half, who also played for the Scarlets and Sale Sharks during a distinguished rugby career.

Swansea Council planners will now assess the listed building consent application before making a decision.

BBC PLOT TWIST: Corporation plans city centre housing on old car park site

Just months after the broadcasting giant packed up its bags and left its historic Alexandra Road studios, new documents reveal a pre-application enquiry has been lodged with Swansea Council planners.

The proposal, submitted by agents Lambert Smith Hampton on behalf of the BBC, outlines a potential residential development on land at Clifton Row..

Clifton Row runs directly behind the iconic Alexandra Road building that served as the corporation’s home in Swansea for decades, and is accessed via the side of the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery.

Measuring approximately 0.094 acres, the plot is currently a disused private car park and is described as an “excellent location for sustainable residential development of one or two units” due to its prime city centre position.

The move comes as Swansea City Centre continues to undergo a massive multi-million pound regeneration project, with several high-profile sites being earmarked for new housing.

The site is surrounded by predominantly residential areas, with the University of Wales Music Technology Centre to the east, making it a natural fit for new homes.

Crucially, the site is just a 10-minute walk from schools, restaurants, cafes, bus stops, and a mere 250 metres from Swansea train station, making it highly attractive for new residents.

The pre-application enquiry seeks to establish the principles that would guide future development, acknowledging that a specific scheme is not yet in place.

This move signals the BBC’s intention to capitalise on its former assets in the city, transforming a redundant space into much-needed housing.

The departure of the BBC from Alexandra Road last year marked the end of an era for broadcasting in Swansea, with operations relocating to new, smaller premises.

However, this new planning enquiry suggests the corporation is keen to maintain a presence in the city, albeit through property development rather than programme making.

The development could breathe new life into a neglected corner of the city centre, bringing more residents and boosting local businesses, much like the ongoing transformation of other city landmarks.

Gowerton housing row: ‘We’re still fighting’ says councillor as Fairwood Terrace appeal enters decisive phase

Cllr Dai Jenkins issued a fresh update to residents, confirming that the appeal process has now stretched weeks beyond its original timetable, with Persimmon Homes expected to submit outstanding information on nutrient neutrality and flood risk.

Jenkins said he and community group Save Gowerton from Gridlock, led by Carl Jones, have been pressing Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) and Natural Resources Wales for clarity — and urging them not to grant yet another extension.

“We’ve asked them not to give another extension,” he said. “We’ve also asked that we don’t get a virtual hearing because we want a face‑to‑face hearing.”

Residents want scrutiny of flood and traffic concerns

The proposed Fairwood Terrace development — part of a wider wave of large‑scale housing schemes across the A484 corridor — has sparked fierce opposition in Gowerton, with residents warning it would worsen congestion, increase flood risk and contribute to an unbroken stretch of new housing from Penllergaer to Gowerton.

Swansea Council previously rejected the plans on traffic grounds, despite planning officers advising that refusal would be difficult to defend at appeal.

Campaigners say any mitigation put forward by the developer must be fully scrutinised.

“If they do give mitigation, we need to see it and check it’s genuine,” Jenkins said.

Push for a public hearing

Jenkins said the community wants a firm date, a venue and a proper in‑person hearing — not a virtual process.

“We want a face‑to‑face hearing,” he said. “We’re hoping we can now go forward, get a date, get a venue.”

‘We’re still here, we’re still fighting’

The councillor thanked residents for their support and said he expects further information from PEDW next week.

“Just to let you know, we’re still here, we’re still fighting,” he said.

The Fairwood Terrace appeal is expected to be one of the most closely watched planning decisions in Swansea this year, with the outcome likely to shape future development across the western growth corridor.

Related stories

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7,000 homes promised, just 300 built
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New active travel route finally completed after years of delays.

Major 250‑home Bryncoch development back on the table as new plans revealed

Long‑running scheme re‑emerges

A huge proposal to build a 250‑home estate at Leiros Parc has resurfaced as Codi Group — the new housing association formed from the merger of Pobl and Linc Cymru — opens a fresh round of public consultation.

The 11.8‑hectare site sits above Caewern on a sharp south‑facing slope. It is currently farmland, scrub and a former farmyard, but the new outline plans show one of the largest housing developments proposed in Neath in years.

The scheme includes homes, a small community hub, allotments, play areas, new walking and cycling routes, a bus loop and large areas of public open space.

Years of testing and design work

The Design and Access Statement shows the project has been in development for almost a decade. Site investigations began in 2017, with coal mining risk assessments, soil testing, drainage studies and topographical surveys carried out over several years.

Earlier versions of the layout were drawn up long before Codi Group existed, indicating the scheme has been progressing quietly in the background.

Contaminated soil across the site

One of the most significant findings is the discovery of elevated arsenic levels in the shallow soils across the entire site. The proposed solution is to cap the land with buildings, hardstanding and 600mm of clean imported soil in gardens and landscaped areas.

Coal seams were also identified, but engineers say the risk from old workings is negligible.

Steep terrain shapes the development

The DAS describes the slope as the site’s biggest constraint, with long cross‑sections showing how sharply the land falls away. The terrain dictates the road layout, drainage strategy and the distribution of open space.

Drainage tests show mixed results, meaning the estate will rely heavily on Sustainable Drainage Systems, including swales and soakaways. The scheme will require separate SAB approval alongside planning.

A network of high‑voltage overhead power lines crosses the land and may need to be buried to allow development.

Access, footpaths and green buffers

Access would come from Daphne Road, with a secondary pedestrian, cycle and emergency route from Leiros Parc Drive. A public right of way running through the fields would be retained and linked into new routes.

Large areas of the site are set aside as woodland buffers and “eco‑tone planting”, creating green separation between the homes and surrounding landscape. The plans also include a community park, kick‑about area and several small play spaces.

Allocated housing land with affordability requirement

The land is already allocated for housing under Neath Port Talbot’s Local Development Plan, with a requirement for 25% affordable housing. As a housing association‑led scheme, the final proportion could be higher, though this is not confirmed in the outline documents.

Residents can now comment on the plans through the statutory pre‑application consultation run by Asbri Planning. A full planning application will follow once the consultation closes on 16 February 2026.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Another 95 new homes planned for Pontarddulais farmland
A separate major housing proposal showing continued development pressure across Swansea communities.

Historic Ty Mawr restored into new homes for Pontardawe
A heritage‑led housing scheme highlighting how older sites are being brought back into use.

New homes completed at former student village site in Swansea
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New homes to be developed at Ammanford Town Hall
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"They're not even being subtle any more [...] 236 car parking spaces [...] 65 cycle spaces and 20 scooter spaces [...] this seems like flat-out misuse of the active travel budget to build KLIC and KLEP a bigger car park."
25/01783/FM an Active Travel Hub, hub building, surface car park, &c - #Cyclescape #cycling #planningApplication #WestNorfolk #SouthLynn #2501783FM #TownDeal #ActiveTravel #fail

https://klwnbug.cyclescape.org/threads/6599

New images reveal detail of Llanelli’s proposed transport hub as plans formally submitted

A greener, safer gateway

The full planning application, prepared by AtkinsRéalis, sets out how the southern side of the station would be transformed into a modern transport hub. The latest drawings show two new bus stops with cantilevered shelters topped by green roofs, real‑time passenger information boards, and a redesigned car park with 40 spaces, including bays for disabled users, motorbikes and electric vehicles.

A new 2‑metre wide footway would run through the site, linking Copperworks Road and Station Road, while a series of raised and uncontrolled pedestrian crossings are planned to make it easier and safer to move between the station, bus stops and surrounding streets. Cycle users would benefit from a 22‑space covered bike shelter, also designed with a green roof.

Landscaping is a key part of the design, with existing poor‑quality scrub and hedgerow replaced by semi‑mature tree planting to screen the site from nearby homes. The plans also include bioretention areas to manage surface water and improve biodiversity.

Public backing

The consultation report shows that 88% of respondents believed Llanelli would benefit from the interchange, with more than four in five saying it would encourage them to use public transport more often.

One resident commented that the hub would “finally bring buses and trains together in one place,” while another said it would “make the station feel like a proper gateway to the town rather than a back entrance.”

Concerns were raised about whether the bus facilities would be fully used, given the current limited services on Station Road. The council’s response was that the interchange is designed for future growth, particularly with developments such as Pentre Awel expected to increase demand.

Other feedback led to changes in the final design: pedestrian crossings were revised, cycle shelters relocated, and the dimensions of disabled and EV bays adjusted.

Part of a wider regeneration picture

The interchange is not being developed in isolation. It is intended to complement the £200m Pentre Awel wellness and life science village, which opened its first phase earlier this year. The landmark development on Llanelli’s coastline is expected to create around 2,000 jobs and attract thousands of visitors, making improved transport links essential.

It also ties into Carmarthenshire Council’s new town centre masterplans for Llanelli, Ammanford and Carmarthen, which set out how empty buildings will be brought back into use, new homes created, and public spaces improved. The council has been clear that better transport connectivity is central to making town centres more vibrant and accessible.

Closer to the station itself, the demolition of the Four Tys housing blocks in Tyisha has now been completed, paving the way for a new mixed‑use development with modern housing, community facilities and green space. The interchange is seen as a vital link in reconnecting Tyisha with the town centre and wider region.

“Enhancing access to sustainable transport”

Cllr Edward Thomas, Carmarthenshire’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure, said earlier this year:

“We are looking for feedback to help shape plans for Llanelli Multi‑Modal Interchange to ensure that we are providing an appropriate solution that enhances access to more sustainable transport opportunities to support Llanelli into the future.”

Next steps

If approved, the interchange would be built in phases alongside the existing station, with construction carefully managed to minimise disruption. The council says the project is a vital part of its strategy to reduce car dependency, improve access to jobs and education, and support the wider regeneration of Llanelli.

Related Llanelli regeneration stories

Canolfan Pentre Awel opens its doors in Llanelli
The landmark £200m wellness and life science village has welcomed its first visitors, promising 2,000 jobs and a major boost to the local economy.

Future of Llanelli, Ammanford and Carmarthen town centres set out
Carmarthenshire Council unveils masterplans to revitalise town centres, bring empty buildings back into use and create new homes and jobs.

‘Four Tys’ housing blocks in Llanelli set to be demolished
The demolition of the Tyisha tower blocks has cleared the way for a new mixed‑use development with modern housing, community facilities and green space.

#busStation #CarmarthenshireCouncil #CllrEdwardThomas #Llanelli #LlanelliRailwayStation #LlanelliTrainStation #LlanelliTransportHub #multiModalInterchange #PentreAwel #planningApplication #publicTransport #townCentreMasterplan #TransportHub #Tyisha

Former Sancta Maria Hospital to be demolished under new plans for 42 affordable flats in Uplands

The proposals come from Beacon Cymru, the housing association formerly known as Coastal Housing, which wants to build 42 affordable homes on the site between Richmond Road and Ffynone Road.

Earlier plans to keep original buildings dropped

The site, which has been empty since the hospital moved to SA1 in 2021, includes two 19th-century villas that were later converted into a nursing home. Earlier design options explored keeping and converting the original buildings, but Beacon Cymru says those plans were dropped due to cost and layout issues.

Instead, the latest scheme would see all existing buildings demolished and replaced with five new blocks. The flats would be a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units, all for affordable rent.

Conservation area, steep site among key challenges

The site sits within the Ffynone & Uplands Conservation Area, and the design team says the new buildings will reflect the area’s character. The blocks are described as “pavilions in a landscape”, with features inspired by the original villas.

The plans also include new landscaping, sustainable drainage, and car parking. The site’s steep slope and proximity to listed buildings have shaped the layout and access points.

Public drop-in event on 16 October

A formal Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) is now open, run by Asbri Planning on behalf of Beacon Cymru. Residents have until 5 November to submit comments.

A public drop-in event will be held at St James Church Hall, Walter Road, Uplands on Wednesday 16 October from 4pm to 7pm. Full plans and consultation details are available on the Asbri Planning website.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

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#affordableHomes #AsbriPlanning #BeaconCymru #CoastalHousing #construction #Ffynone #FfynoneUplandsConservationArea #flats #planningApplication #SanctaMariaHospital #socialHousing #Swansea #Uplands

Nando’s eyes new restaurant at Parc Fforestfach retail park

Documents submitted to Swansea Council by LCP Properties Ltd show proposals to convert Unit 3 at the retail park from retail (Class A1) to food and drink use (Class A3). The supporting planning statement, prepared by consultants Squires Planning, names Nando’s as the intended operator.

111 covers, 40 jobs

The 360sqm unit would be fitted out with a 220sqm dining area providing 111 covers, alongside kitchen, storage and staff facilities. The restaurant would open daily from 11.30am to 10pm, employing around 40 full‑time equivalent staff.

Nando’s already operates two Swansea outlets — one in the city centre at Salubrious Place and another at Morfa Retail Park. The new branch would mark a further investment in the city.

Planning context

The application argues that the change of use would bring a vacant unit back into active use, boosting the local economy and supporting the retail park’s wider offer.

While Swansea’s Local Development Plan restricts food and drink uses at out‑of‑centre retail parks to “small scale” provision, the planning statement contends that the proposal is appropriate in scale and nature for Parc Fforestfach. It also notes that Nando’s would not want to locate another restaurant in the city centre due to competition with its existing branch.

Access and impact

The retail park is served by 1,300 parking spaces, bus stops on Pontardulais Road, and pedestrian links from surrounding roads. The planning statement says the new restaurant would not significantly increase traffic compared with other retail uses, and that noise and amenity impacts can be managed through conditions.

Current occupier

Unit 3 is currently occupied by Card Factory, despite the planning statement describing it as vacant. Swansea Bay News has contacted Card Factory for comment on the proposals and whether the retailer plans to relocate.

Next steps

Swansea Council will now consider the application. If approved, the move would see another national restaurant chain join the line‑up at Parc Fforestfach, which already includes Tesco, Boots, Next, Aldi and Costa Coffee.

Nando’s has been approached for comment.

Chicken chains flock to Swansea

Swansea is fast becoming a hotspot for chicken restaurants — here’s more of our coverage:

• Peri‑peri paradise: Swansea is home to the UK’s highest‑rated Nando’s
  A new study found Swansea’s Nando’s restaurants top the UK for customer satisfaction.
• Slim Chickens to open new Swansea restaurant
  US chain Slim Chickens is bringing its Southern‑style menu to Wind Street, creating 35 jobs.
• Wingstop set to open in Swansea
  The popular chicken wing brand is opening on Wind Street, part of its rapid UK expansion.
• 18‑hour queues as Popeyes opens in Swansea
  Hundreds queued overnight on Oxford Street for the launch of Popeyes’ first Swansea branch.

#CardFactory #chicken #featured #Fforestfach #FforestfachRetailPark #jobs #NandoS #ParcFforestfach #planningApplication #PontarddulaisRoad #restaurant #retail