Farewell to city department store

Stone sculptures on the outside of the building have been saved

Work has started to demolish a city centre landmark in Swansea which will make way for a new £30m retail complex.

David Evans was the oldest department store in the city when it closed its doors for the final time in 2005.

Workmen will take four months to level the site before a new centre, built from glass and steel, takes its place.

The city council said the development was key to the regeneration of the city centre and would help attract new high street names to Swansea.

The new complex being built by Thurleigh Estates will include fashion shops Zara and Slater menswear and provide a new home for the JT Morgan department store.

It is set for completion by the summer of 2008.

David Evans opened as an independent store in Swansea in 1865 and later became part of the House of Fraser group.

David Evans opened in Swansea in 1865 and closed two years ago

A series of stone sculptures carved high up on the outside of the building depicting fashion through the ages have been removed and will be housed at Swansea Museum.

Council cabinet member Gareth Sullivan said: "The development of the David Evans site is only the first phase of retail regeneration in Swansea and will act as a catalyst for further investment."

Denise Road, chairwoman of JT Morgan which employs about 100 people in Swansea, said: "The new retail development is a massive boost for Swansea and its retail economy.

"We are thrilled to be moving into such a landmark development."