Maritime Quarter
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The Maritime Quarter (including
The area comprises a mixture of housing ranging from 1980s low-rise apartment blocks around the old South Dock to town houses arranged in quadrangles in the south-eastern part of the area, which were built in the 2000s decade. Planning approval for the marina was given on condition that a significant proportion of the development be sold to housing associations for social housing. The tallest building in Wales, the Meridian Quay Tower, is in the area.
History
The South Dock area underwent significant
Originally the city council decided to fill in the South Dock. This was done by a developer whose brother was a councillor at the local council. Later on, the same company was paid to dig out the South Dock again to create the marina. The developer is now imprisoned in Swansea Prison.
The re-excavated South Dock was laid out into the award-winning Maritime Quarter by architect Robin Campbell, then head of Environmental Design at
Marina
The South Dock itself now serves as marina, part of the Swansea Marina complex providing berths for privately owned leisure boats. Sailing and sea angling schools are based in the area.
In addition to the Quay Parade road bridge just to the north, two pedestrian bridges link this area to the main
The water areas are not fully protected by railings. Local residents have often expressed concerns over the safety of the lack of railings and indeed, over the years, the marina has seen a number of people drown after falling into the waters by accident.
Amenities
The headquarters of the local South Wales Evening Post newspaper is here. Beside the Evening Post building is the Associated British Ports building, now used as a five-star hotel. Just west of the marina is a four-star Marriott hotel. A waterside walkway to the north-east of the marina is home to a few cafes, pubs and arcades. On the far western end of the Maritime Quarter is the Civic Centre which houses government offices of the City and County of Swansea Council.
Within the area are:
- National Waterfront Museum
- Mission Gallery
- Dylan Thomas Centre
- Dylan Thomas Theatre
- Swansea Museum
- Swansea Leisure Centre
- Marina Towers Observatory
- The Environment Centre
- The Tower, Meridian Quay
The square surrounded by the National Waterfront Museum, the old Pump House and shopping area contains a statue of Dylan Thomas.
Nearby places
Gallery
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Statue of fictional Captain Cat
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Statue of Dylan Thomas near the National Waterfront Museum
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Meridian Quay under construction in 2008
See also
References
- ^ "Weaver Building, Swansea". Welsh Wales. Retrieved 24 August 2008.
- ^ "The People". Air Architecture. Retrieved 1 May 2024.