Commercial Regeneration

The commercial centre of Gorseinon is the economic heart of the community. A number of measures have been introduced to upgrade the commercial centre with the aim to boost the economy in and around Gorseinon:

Commercial Renewal Area (CRA)

Gorseinon is a busy shopping centre which serves the neighbouring communities of Kingsbridge, Loughor, Penyrheol and Garden Village with a range of shops and services.  The physical environment of the retail centre has suffered a decline in recent years and investment is required to improve the appearance of buildings, shopfronts and the general street scene.  Part of the shopping centre has been designated a Commercial Renewal Area (CRA) grant aid to be provided to facilitate the external and internal improvements to buildings which fall within the boundary.

For grant guildelines please click on the link below.

commercial_renewal_area_grants_guidelines Click to preview, right click to download

Over the Shops Initiative

Grants are available for upgrading residential spaces above the shops in the Commercial Regeneration Area.

over_the_shops Click to preview, right click to download

Building Improvement Grants for Key Routes and Locations

A grant scheme along similar lines to the CRA has been set up to support building improvements to commercial premises along the main corridors into Gorseinon. This scheme is designed to complement the proposed environmental improvements along the key gateways into the area.

Funding will be targeted at commercial properties at Gorseinon Road, Lime Street, West Street, Swansea Road and Victoria Road as indicated in the plan

Traffic Management Study

A Traffic Management study is being undertaken with the aim of addressing some of the key traffic issues in the area. Some of the priorities that have been identified include improved signage to the car parks, car parking on High Street and traffic calming measures.

Employment

Employment is a key issue for the strategy given the significant job losses experience in Gorseinon. Support and training has been given by the partners including ELWa, Benefits Agency, JobCentre Plus, Careers Wales and Gorseinon College to all who have been affected by redundancy. Further training and support is ongoing including the appointment of a Personal Business Advisor by the WDA and The Business Centre to help support all companies affected by the recent closures.

Other measures to improve employment opportunities include grants for business expansions and for new developments.

Environmental Improvements

Improving the environment not only enhances the quality of life for residents and shoppers but also encourages industry to invest in the area. The main gateway into Gorseinon from junction 47 of the M4 has been identified as the priority for environmental improvements. Initial clearance work has been commissioned with the view to landscaping being undertaken later in the year. White Consultants have been appointed to draw up a Landscape Masterplan for the area, a copy of which will be available to view at the Regeneration Office from late March 2003. At the same time, display boards will be rotated around public buildings in Gorseinon .

Social Projects

The main focus of the Regeneration Strategy is economic regeneration, however, social projects are also being considered. The first of these is the development of a community garden on the site of the former Chapel Street Allotments. This project is has attracted interest from local residents, the schools and Gorseinon College, and will in time link in with the Healthy Living Initiative (Healthforce Swanse) planned for Gorseinon.

The Gorseinon Community Awards

The Gorseinon Community Awards has also been set up to enable community groups to undertake projects under 4 main categories:

• Jobs and Business
• Education and Training
• Environment
• Active Community

For more information see the Community Awards page