Swansea Pub to Become 72-Bed Student Accommodation

Work to convert the former pub, 'Cape Horner', into student accommodation is expected to begin this spring.

The pub, located on Fabian Way, Swansea, was once an integral part of the St Thomas community, but closed in 2010.

Hawkfire Developments originally submitted plans in 2018 to convert the derelict pub. These plans were rejected by Swansea Council, despite officers recommending approval. The decision was later overturned on appeal to the Welsh Government inspectors.

Last month, a minor amendment to the approved plans was submitted, reducing the size of a corner of the building.

Hawkfire Developments commented that: "We have had to change the footprint of the building slightly and change the drainage, but they are relatively minor changes to the scheme, to allow us to start building. We hope to begin work by April or May".

Work will start with the demolition of the current building before commencing construction of the new accommodation, which will provide 72 student bedrooms spread across three-storeys.

The development will include 11 parking spaces, as well as space for bike parking. Resident students who are not allocated a parking space will not be permitted to bring a car to the site.

Joe Hale, councillor for St Thomas ward, said: "A lot of residents are keen to see something done with the site, but I'm still not sure how student accommodation fits in with such a residential area. It will see accommodation for students who would largely be aged between 18 and 25 in what is a relatively older populated area of the ward, and it has the potential to bring noise issues. We already have accommodation for hundreds of students coming to Kings Road across Fabian Way nearby and I think there would be issues for the changing of the demographic of the area so quickly. Over a period of time perhaps it could work, but not overnight.

"That said, I would hope it would be successful, even though the site could have been put to an alternative use. The area is a very welcoming ward, and I can vouch for that coming from south London."