Building starts on £30m complex

Builders began work at the city centre site on Monday

Work has begun on a £30m retail complex on the former David Evans department store site in Swansea city centre.

The three-storey glass and steel built centre will house a range of fashion stores and is expected to create several hundred new jobs.

Contractors say construction is likely to last around 60 weeks with the new building complete in autumn next year.

David Evans, the city's oldest department store, shut in January 2005 and was demolished earlier this year.

The new complex will include fashion chains Zara and Slater Menswear as well as independent Swansea retailer J T Morgan.

David Evans opened in Swansea in 1865 and closed in early 2005

Swansea Council said developer Thurleigh Estates was working to attract other tenants.

During construction the authority said there would be some disruption to traffic using Castle Street and College Street.

Cabinet member for economic development Gareth Sullivan said: "Nearby traders have been consulted and every effort will be made to minimise disruption."

He said when completed, the complex would give the city centre a "wow factor" that should attract more shoppers.