WORK is under way on building the new multi-million pound sports stadium for Swansea.

Swansea Council has employed locally-based contractors, Interserve to build the £24 million stadium on part of the site known as Morfa playing fields on the west side of the River Tawe.

The new stadium, with a working title of White Rock Stadium, will have a seated capacity of 20,000 for sporting events and a maximum capacity of 30,000 for music or theatrical events.

White Rock Stadium is to provide a new home for Swansea City AFC and Swansea Rugby Club, while also providing a new regional facility for football and rugby with the potential national and international matches for both codes. The stadium design includes translucent roofing, providing maximum light to ensure the playing surface is among the best in Great Britain.

The stadium is a key development in the regeneration of the sporting infrastructure of the City and County of Swansea. The stadium will have: · 20,000 seats. · 28 self contained glass fronted hospitality boxes with external seating. · 400 person capacity banqueting suite. · 200 person conference venue. · food and beverage units in concourse around stadium bowl.

Intention when finances are available to have a club’s shop and museum.

Timescales

• August 2003 appoint contractor through European procurement process.

• August to September – Detailed design and contractor mobilising.

• October – Start on site.

• Completion – January 2005.

Commercial development

• 102,000 sq. ft B&Q DIY store.

• 80,000 sq. ft Morrisons foodstore.

• 12 other shop units.

• 3 restaurant’s.

• Health and fitness club