Swansea city centre is to undergo a £1bn overhaul following the announcement of a masterplan aimed at linking the city with its waterfront.

The development programme, announced today by the City and County of Swansea, the Welsh Assembly Government and the City Centre Partnership, is to begin with the following schemes:

- St David’s/Quadrant development – a retail scheme on 22 acres (9 ha) which includes the St David’s shopping centre, a Tesco supermarket and surrounding car parking space.

- Paxton Street/County Hall development – a mixed-use site on 7 acres (3 ha) to include residential and office development as well as pubs, cafes and restaurants.

- Sail Bridge square - a mixed-use scheme on a 2.8 acre (1.1 ha) site. It will include residential and offices, a hotel and cafes and restaurants.

The development programme is expected to take between 15 to 20 years. Donaldsons has been appointed to as property and development consultants.