EditorOptical Express and sk:n sign up for major new Kingsway office scheme
Optical Express and partner brand sk:n have taken a ground‑floor unit at the new £32.6m office scheme, bringing private vision correction, cataract consultations and dermatology services into the heart of the city centre. Both say they can offer treatment within days or weeks of first contact.
Swansea Bay News first reported plans for the clinic last April.
New clinic promises rapid access to specialist care
Optical Express, the UK’s market leader in private vision correction surgery, will offer consultations for cataract surgery, presbyopia lens replacement and laser eye surgery. Partner brand sk:n will provide dermatology, aesthetic and laser treatments.
Dr Stephen Hannan, Clinical Services Director for Optical Express and sk:n, said:
“We are delighted to open our new clinic on the Kingsway in Swansea.
“This state‑of‑the‑art, environmentally conscious space provides the ideal setting for Optical Express and sk:n to deliver world‑class care to the local community.
“It reflects our unwavering commitment to exceptional patient experience, supported by the latest technology, modern facilities, and outstanding clinical teams.
“Vision correction surgery not only improves the sight of patients but also their quality of life. As our service delivery progresses, career opportunities will also develop for local people.”
Kingsway development now 80% let
The arrival of Optical Express and sk:n marks another milestone for the 104,000 sq ft Kingsway scheme, which is now 80% let. Staff from Tui, Amazon‑owned tech firm Veeqo, Futures First and building operator Savills are already based there, with flexible workspace provider IWG now fitting out its own space.
Once fully operational, the building will accommodate up to 600 workers and is expected to be worth £32.6m a year to Swansea’s economy.
Council says scheme is boosting footfall and business confidence
Swansea Council says the development is helping address a long‑standing shortage of high‑quality office space in the city, which had previously risked pushing businesses elsewhere.
Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said:
“There has been a shortage of high‑quality office accommodation in Swansea which meant there was a risk to retaining businesses in the city and attracting new businesses and jobs here.
“The 71/72 Kingsway scheme is aimed at helping tackle that challenge, so I’m delighted to welcome Optical Express and sk:n as the latest tenants for the scheme.
“Given challenges like online shopping, Swansea city centre also needs more footfall and spending to support our existing businesses and encourage more shops and other businesses to open there.
“Numbers of potential customers are key to businesses when they’re considering where to invest, so the 71/72 Kingsway scheme – alongside many others which are either complete, ongoing or planned – will help create those numbers.”
Green features and new public spaces
The development includes a rooftop terrace overlooking Swansea Bay, solar panels, heat‑recovery systems and a new pedestrian link between The Kingsway and Oxford Street.
Work has now begun on a new green courtyard forming part of that link. It will be named Mowbray Yard, in honour of the late Huw Mowbray, a respected Swansea Council officer whose work helped shape the modern city centre.
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A new green courtyard at 71/72 Kingsway will be named Mowbray Yard.
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Initial plans for an Optical Express and sk:n clinic at the Kingsway site.
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