The developer has launched a public consultation on plans to transform the landmark Brutalist civic building ahead of submitting a planning application later this year.
Supported by £20m in UK Government funding and being delivered in partnership with Swansea Council, the regeneration scheme will retain and refurbish the existing building instead of demolishing it.
The proposed redevelopment will deliver around 140 new apartments, 15 commercial units, 59,000 sq ft of retail and business space, and a 20,000 sq ft aquarium that is expected to become a major visitor attraction.
Plans also include new leisure and events facilities, cafés, restaurants and bars overlooking the seafront promenade, together with a proposed saltwater lido as part of the wider waterfront vision.
Urban Splash said the project adopts a “fabric-first” approach by preserving the building’s embodied carbon while revitalising one of Wales’ best-known examples of Brutalist architecture.
The Civic Centre, originally completed in 1982 as the headquarters of West Glamorgan County Council, has remained largely vacant since council staff relocated to new offices.
The redevelopment forms a key part of Swansea Council’s wider waterfront masterplan, which aims to reconnect the city centre with Swansea Bay through a mix of new homes, leisure attractions, retail space and commercial development.