Contractors arrived on Wednesday May 15 to pave the way for main construction work on the 3,500-capacity attraction on a site adjacent to the LC in the city centre.
The digital indoor arena is one feature of the Swansea City and Waterfront Digital District project that’s due to be part-funded by the £1.3 billion Swansea Bay City Deal.
Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd have been appointed to construct the arena, with Ambassador Theatre Group on board as venue operators once the attraction is operational.
Initial work will include putting up safety hoardings and the testing of the long earth bank alongside the old railway wall which separates the site from the Marina. In due course, the bank will go but the historic stone wall will remain, helping future generations understand the importance of the rail line to Swansea in past times.
The digital indoor arena will be open and operational by early 2021.
Cllr Rob Stewart, Chairman of the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Joint Committee, said: "This is a significant moment as we deliver a project that will be a catalyst for the transformation and success of Swansea city centre for future generations.
"Buckingham Group Contracting moving on site shows that the arena project is gathering pace. This is a big deal for Swansea - an end to the artist impressions and a beginning for new landmarks."
Other features of the Swansea City and Waterfront Digital District project include a digital village on Kingsway for tech businesses, and a box village and innovation precinct development for start-up companies at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David campus in SA1.
A recent independent review into the Swansea Bay City Deal recommended immediate approval for the Swansea City and Waterfront Digital District project. The review also recommended immediate approval for the ‘Yr Egin’ creative hub project in Carmarthen.
The Swansea Bay City Deal is a £1.3 billion investment in a number of major projects across the Swansea Bay City Region, which is made up of Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Pembrokeshire and Neath Port Talbot.