A trio of locally-led food and beverage brands and businesses have today been announced for Swansea’s £135 million Copr Bay scheme as the major urban transformation prepares to launch.
KoKoDoo Korean Fried Chicken, Frozziyo, a frozen yoghurt concept, and Imperial Candy have all taken space at Cupid Way – a new commercial and F&B hub that connects the city centre to the new Swansea Arena and 1.1-acre coastal park. The deals mean that the total commercial, F&B, leisure and residential space let or under offer at Copr Bay has now reached 80%.
The lettings, which were secured and progressed by Copr Bay development manager RivingtonHark, come amid final preparations for the launch of the multi-million pound scheme in the coming weeks, with the new 3,500-capacity arena set to start hosting test events later this month.
Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said: “As developer, Swansea Council’s vision for Copr Bay has always been that of delivering a scheme that would champion those who work and live in this city – and this landmark new destination is doing just that
“Now just weeks away from launch, we are thrilled to announce that three new brands will take up space on Cupid Way, all of which will be led by well-established local businesspeople who are now set to take their businesses to the next level.
“Not only will this development form a crucial link between the city centre, the 3,500-capacity arena and the 1.1-acre coastal park, it will ensure that local businesses are taking their place front and centre in one of Europe’s most significant urban regeneration projects.
“Even before its completion, Copr Bay has served as a boost of confidence for both local businesses, as well as those who are considering expanding into Swansea. Our hope is that this district will attract many millions of pounds of inward investment, jobs and prosperity for Swansea as a whole.”
KoKoDoo Korean Fried Chicken is an award-winning franchise launched in London in 2006, offering a range of fresh, Korean-inspired fried chicken dishes and sides. It will be led by Graham Baister, who is also Director of Swansea-based Sweet Footwear Ltd and Oak&Hyde Boots.
Frozziyo will allow customers to help themselves to a range of flavoured frozen yoghurt from self-service machines and a wide range of toppings and sauces. It will be led by Katharine Partner, who is also managing director of Swansea-based Rock the Dragon – a dance shop and nationwide merchandise businesses.
Imperial Candy will offer customers a wide range of sweet treats and confectionary from around the world, including the US, Japan and the Middle East. Imperial Candy will be led by local businessman Ammar Alabtah, who also owns Imperial Desserts on Swansea High Street.
Situated across the new landmark bridge from Swansea Arena and Swansea’s vibrant marina, Cupid Way is just a stone’s throw from the city’s bustling market and high-footfall shopping areas. With the arena set to host up to 200 performances per year, businesses on Cupid Way and Swansea City Centre are prime to take advantage of significantly increased footfall following the scheme’s launch.
Several further lettings at Cupid Way are also due to be announced in the coming weeks.
Spencer Winter, Projects Director at Rivington Hark, said: “Copr Bay is quickly fulfilling its mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change in Swansea, drive local business forward and reclaim the city’s architectural heritage.
“As one of the most significant schemes of its kind in Europe, Copr Bay is setting a new benchmark for urban regeneration in a post-Covid world. This development champions localism by putting locally-led businesses front and centre, and providing new city centre housing and access to new green spaces, all whilst bringing world-class entertainment to the city via the new Arena.
“As we make the final preparations for launching the wider Copr Bay side to the public over the coming weeks, we will continue to work hand-in-hand with these three new businesses – as well as other businesses that are considering Copr Bay for a new base of operations – to ensure they are primed to go from strength-to-strength upon opening.
Copr Bay phase one alone is worth £17.1 million a year to the city’s economy. Even before its completion, figures show that businesses in the Swansea Bay City Region have benefited from more than £34.6m worth of work thanks to the construction of Copr Bay phase one, with the new arena itself set to generate 467 full-time direct and indirect jobs in Swansea.
More than £1 billion is being invested across the city to redefine it as a landmark destination for both business and leisure, with tens of thousands of square feet allocated to new office space, designed to attract digital, tech and creative business to the region.
