Apologies that I have let this column lapse in recent months – oddly enough due to pressure of work.

Having been invited to join the Chartered Institute of Marketing I have for some time now been an Associate Professional of this body.

Strategic Framework developments forge ahead, plus:

• The Internet Coast City Deal is hotly tipped for approval soon. This shall enhance the City Centre Strategic Framework plans…
• On 17 January the Central Government Hendry Review came out squarely in favour of the proposed Tidal Lagoon. This is another announcement hotly awaited.
• Other developments include planning passed for a 21-storey £50-million “Icon 21” building to be built on the Mariner Street site opposite the City’s railway station proposing that this shall house 725 students with retail developments below.
• Adjacent to this site, the 13-story Oldway Centre formerly offices, is proposed to be converted into 116 student flats and studios, both of these developments to breathe new footfall and life to the Upper High Street area of the city.
• At the far end of Swansea Bay the once-fishing village of Mumbles saw an £11-million retail development formally opened last week, with two of the restaurants already reporting trading figures that outperform their other entire UK and  regional outlets respectively.

Michael Bernard Sosner ACIM

Architect impression of the Icon 21 development at approach to Swansea Central Station