Morfa Press Release

Morfa Press Release

WORK will get under way next week on the new Morfa sports stadium in Swansea. Interserve will be on site on Monday, just weeks after being named Swansea Council’s preferred contractors to build the 20,000-all seater stadium. The contractors will be removing the top soil before carrying out ground investigations on Tuesday, when a number piles will be driven into the ground. They are expected to be on site for three weeks ahead of construction work beginning in the autumn. The work is a major step forward for the stadium which is being funded by Swansea Council, following a land deal with Capital and Regional plc. Capital & Regional plc will develop a modern retail and leisure complex with stores and shops, including B&Q and Morrisons, three restaurants and a health and fitness club on land near the new stadium. Byron Owen, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Development, said, "The new stadium is a reality. The contractors will be on site on Monday which will send out a clear message that the new stadium is going ahead as promised. "This will be the start of the preparatory work to enable the stadium to be built." The stadium, which will also house 30,000 fans for pop and music events, will boast some of Britain’s most modern facilities, including: 20,000 seats. 28 self-contained glass fronted hospitality boxes with external seating. 400-person capacity banqueting suite. 200-person conference venue. food and drinks units in concourse around stadium bowl. Work has already started on footbridge access to the site and a new footbridge structure is due to arrive in early September. The progress on the stadium has been welcomed by the city’s rugby and football clubs who will both make the arena their new home. Steve Penny, Non-Executive Director of Swansea City AFC, said, "The stadium will totally transform the face of sport in Swansea. "As a football club it will open up a whole range of opportunities. On the field the players will have wonderful facilities, while spectators who have recently left us due to the state of The Vetch will return in their thousands. "The other aspect for us is the commercial opportunities by offering hospitality facilities and developing merchandising. "As a city we will be able to bid for and host national and international matches such as Wales football friendlies and cup finals. The potential is amazing." Rosemary Morgan, solicitor to Swansea RFC, said, "This stadium will have a huge impact on rugby in the area. Suddenly, we will have extraordinary facilities both for players and supporters. "It will rejuvenate interest in rugby in Swansea." Andrew Lewis-Pratt, Executive Director of Capital & Regional, said, "We are delighted to have obtained all the consents necessary to enable this exciting project to commence and we look forward to continuing our successful relationship with Swansea City Council to create the premier retail park in West Wales." 7th August 2003 For more information please contact the PR Office on 01792 637158 or email media@swansea.gov.uk

What are your thoughts? Share them on the Message Board

Can’t Get To Your PC?? You can Text JackArmy.net on 07734 661632

Call costs are 32 p per minute peak time, 22p per minute off peak and 11p per minute at weekends. Call times will vary depending on the length of your message. JackArmy.net reserves the right not to post messages it deems unfit for publication. Please try and refrain from the use of foul language when making a call. Calls from mobile phones and abroad may vary.