Government report backs Swansea's billion pound Tidal Lagoon and leisure complex
by Tom Anstey | 13 Jan 2017
Plans for a £1.3bn (US$1.6bn, €1.5bn) tidal lagoon in Welsh city Swansea have been backed by a government-commissioned independent review, with a number of conclusions suggesting further development across the UK if the project is a success.
The innovative renewable energy scheme, which will be the world’s first tidal lagoon to generate clean electricity, has a large leisure component – including an oyster hatchery attraction and watersport centre designed by FaulknerBrowns.
The report makes more than 30 recommendations and conclusions in delivering a tidal lagoon and bringing maximum benefit to the UK, including a competitive tender process for large scale tidal lagoons, the establishment of a Tidal Power Authority and that local economic regeneration would follow a tidal lagoon.
The leisure aspects of the Swansea project are seen as being key to the overall proposition.
Inspired by traditional fishing warehouses and boathouses, the 4,000sq m (43,056sq ft) building for the watersport and hatchery will include sports facilities, changing rooms and boat storage. The project will also feature an eco-focused offshore visitor centre, with exhibition space, a lecture theatre, a café and educational facilities.
Juice Architects has led the design of the visitor centre, working alongside Evolve, LDA Design, Atkins Global and Costain. The design is based on oysters, with the structure offering the appearance of a series of shells.
It is hoped if the Swansea project is a success, a network of lagoons could be set up around the UK coast, harnessing clean energy from the sea's tides.
Swansea Tidal Lagoon visitor attraction
An independent report has made more than 30 recommendations and conclusions in delivering a tidal lagoon and bringing maximum benefit to the UK
It is hoped if the Swansea project is a success, a network of lagoons could be set up around the UK coast, harnessing clean energy from the sea's tides
10 Jun 2015
£1bn Tidal Lagoon with oyster hatchery, restaurant, watersports and visitor centres gets planning consent
20 Mar 2015
WORLD EXCLUSIVE: Juice Architects' Paul Newman talks about designing the Swansea tidal lagoon visitor centre
19 Mar 2015
Negotiations opening for LDA Design's £1bn tidal lagoon project
Plans for a £1.3bn (US$1.6bn, €1.5bn) tidal lagoon in Welsh city Swansea have been backed by a government-commissioned independent review, with a number of conclusions suggesting further development across the UK if the project is a success. The innovative renewable energy scheme, which will be the world’s first tidal lagoon to generate clean electricity, has a large leisure component – including an oyster hatchery attraction and watersport centre designed by
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"Culture is the beating heart of this project"
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
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