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There is no summary of this meeting yet. One is written once the council publishes the minutes. The agenda and papers are below.
In accordance with the Code of Conduct adopted by the City & County of Swansea, the following interest was declared. Councillor T M White – declared a Personal Interest in Minute 24 – ‘Tawe Riverside Strategy / Waterways’.
Resolved that the Minutes of the Economy and Infrastructure Service Transformation Committee held on 16 October 2025 be approved and signed as a correct record.
The Cabinet Member for Delivery outlined numerous exciting developments in the Lower Swansea Valley area, with particular emphasis on ongoing investment at the Hafod Copper Works. It was noted that progress was being made to improve access to the river, including the installation of new facilities and discussions about future river taxis. A summer visit with relevant partners had highlighted potential projects and led to the suggestion that the Committee hold a meeting aboard the Copper Jack to experience future opportunities firsthand. Members heard of the plans to connect Fendrod Lake with the Tawe, allowing the Copper Jack greater access to the Swansea Valley. The Strategic Economic Regeneration Manager provided a ‘for information’ update on Tawe Riverside corridor potential waterways developments. The Committee heard an overview of ongoing regeneration efforts along the Tawe Riverside and Swansea Canal in the Lower Swansea Valley. The Officer detailed the restoration of industrial heritage sites, including the conversion of old buildings into community facilities, canal restoration projects and improvements to parks and active travel routes. The Swansea Canal's partial renovation aimed to eventually reconnect its remaining sections, supported by local and national funding. The Council had installed pontoons to facilitate waterway access, linking major heritage destinations throughout the valley. The overall strategy was part of a wider masterplan to enhance amenities and promote heritage tourism, although the main risk is losing momentum in economic regeneration and community engagement efforts. Committee questioning and discussions focussed on: · Bascule Bridge Timescales: Work to begin in April 2026, with both planning and funding secured; coordination with pontoon installations would required. · Promotion of Riverside and Copper Works: The Trails App offers real-time information to visitors on the Copper Jack and new interpretation boards would be installed along the river and canal to explain local features and ensure consistent branding. · Funding: Funding was confirmed and all works were expected to finish within 2026. · Prioritisation of Swansea Canal Sections: Restoration was prioritised based on deliverability and available funding, with larger projects needing feasibility studies and smaller sections relying on voluntary or phased engineering works. · Maintaining Momentum: Recent masterplans had strengthened the case for completing outstanding sections and connecting different parts of the project. · Future Funding Models: Preferred funding involved phased capital investment over several years, aiming to be ready for schemes like the Welsh Government’s Local Growth Fund from April 2026, with an emphasis on being 'shovel ready' to secure grants. · Expanding Watercraft Operations: Studies continued into suitable vessels for different canal sections, with progress already made on key connections; ambitions include further pontoon access and restoring historical features to improve convenient river access akin to Stratford-upon-Avon. The Chair thanked the Cabinet Member for Delivery and the Strategic Economic Regeneration Manager for his informative report.
Part of an issue followed across 2 meetings
The Head of Planning and City Regeneration presented a report which sought the STC's input into defining the core purpose and end state of the relevant programmes within the Corporate Transformation Programme (CTP). The Committee’s input would help ensure that each programme was aligned with the Council’s strategic objectives and is communicated consistently across the organisation. The Committee heard that the report was submitted to the Service Transformation Committee (STC) following a recommendation from the Panel Performance Assessment under the Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021. The report sought the STC’s input in defining the core purpose and desired outcomes (“end state”) for key programmes within the Corporate Transformation Plan (CTP), ensuring they align with the Council’s strategic aims and are clearly communicated across the organisation. Members noted that defining core purpose and end state was crucial for aligning with the Council’s Corporate Plan, supporting financial planning, and addressing strategic risks. Examples were given for the Regeneration, More Homes, and Homelessness Programmes, detailing their aims (such as affordable housing, city regeneration, and improved homelessness support) and the challenges faced (including funding pressures, changing regulations, and increasing service demand). The STC were invited to help shape these definitions, with their feedback to be incorporated into drafts for approval by the Corporate Transformation Board in January 2026. Resolved that: 1) The core purposes and end states as proposed by officers were agreed as reflecting of the views of the Committee, and should now be reported via Transformation Board, as set out in the report.
Part of an issue followed across 2 meetings
The Chair presented the Committee Work Plan 2025/2026. The Chair stated that a request had been received to defer the Local Housing Strategy item. Resolved that: 1) The items for discussion at the meeting on 15 January 2026 include: · Destination Management Plan.
Councillors must say when they have a personal link to something being discussed, such as a job, a property or a family member. A prejudicial interest is one strong enough that the councillor usually leaves the room and takes no part.
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