Swansea Council has backed proposals to create a landmark European-style boulevard designed to link the city centre with the waterfront.

It is expected that the first phase of work, including the design stage, will cost £7.6m, although funding is yet to be finalised. A report to the council's cabinet also identified four development stages for the boulevard, which are set to cost in excess of £7m each. Street furniture, public art, footways and cycleways will be incorporated into the boulevard, which has been designed to address the needs of pedestrians and cyclists between the River Tawe and the civic centre.

Leader of Swansea Council, Chris Holley, said: "What we are looking at is merely ideas at this stage. No decisions have been made about how it will finally look. "The aim is to balance the needs of motorists, public transport operators, pedestrians and cyclists, while transforming one of the key gateways through the city centre into an iconic boulevard with a European feel."

The council has been working with the Welsh Assembly Government on plans for the boulevard, which will form part of the City Centre Strategic Framework. Leighton Andrews, the Welsh Assembly Government's deputy minister for regeneration, said: "Oystermouth Road is a barrier between the city centre and the waterfront. This work will enable the partners to move the concept of a European style boulevard forward.

"The boulevard is a key component of the long term regeneration of Swansea, which is designed to revitalise the local economy."