Three eye-catching road rainbows will add colour and further vibrancy to Wind Street, Swansea’s emerging new all-day destination.
Wind Street’s first road rainbow
The multi-coloured designs will span a newly-laid road being installed as part of the street’s Swansea Council-driven regeneration.
One has already been installed – two more will follow.
The 20mph one-way road – which will be accessible only to business traffic (and only then from 7-11am every day) – will also feature three informal pedestrian crossings complete with tactile kerbsides for those with a disability.
Wind Street’s first road rainbow
Elliott King, the council’s LGBTQ+ champion, said: “Swansea is a welcoming and diverse city. Wind Street will further add to its appeal – and our colourful areas of rainbow road will strengthen this message.
“They will reflect the positive messages associated with designs used by those celebrating LGBTQ+ life.”
Wind Street’s first road rainbow
Council leader Rob Stewart said: “Businesses are eager for the ‘new’ Wind Street to open; we’ve already been working with them to make it a welcoming day-time destination with restaurants opening out onto the street for families and visitors.
“The main work is on track to be practically completed by the end of this month so that the Christmas season should be a good one for Wind Street businesses.
“Our rainbow-coloured artworks will celebrate and promote Swansea’s diversity. Wind Street will be an inclusive environment; we want everybody to be free to enjoy it with friends and family without fear of intimidation, intolerance or hatred.”
Wind Street’s first road rainbow
Wind Street will play a key role in the city centre’s wider £1bn regeneration story.
Work on the street’s £3m upgrade began early this year after businesses and residents had given their views on the area’s future. Council engagement with local groups, traders and residents continues.
The street will be at one level so that is disability- and pedestrian-friendly.
The upgrade will help bring new enjoyment for the public and more business for those trading there.
Currently at the heart of the city’s night-time economy, Wind Street will become an all-day destination with more opportunities for family fun, eating and meeting for coffee.
Restaurants, bars and cafes have already started offering opportunities to meet and socialise on outside areas as well as inside.
Lighting is being improved, there will be new trees and planted areas, more places to sit and relax, and more natural light allowed into the street so people can better enjoy this conservation area’s special buildings. Biodiversity will be improved.
Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “The ultimate aim is a welcoming, safe and enjoyable family destination for visitors and businesses while also recognising the needs and wishes of residents of all abilities.
“There’ll be more emphasis on pedestrian priority, more footway space all at one level, new public lighting and street furniture and more seated areas to create a more family-friendly environment.”
Wind Street regeneration www.swansea.gov.uk/windstreet