24-hour lifestyle: The J-Wharf plan would see loft living in Swansea

A �4m project to convert a Grade II Listed warehouse into a mixture of loft space above an "arts arcade", has been approved by the Welsh Development Agency.

The scheme, which has to win the backing of Swansea planners, is aimed at fitting in with the �200m SA1 development already on course to transform the seafront skyline of Wales' second city.

Last week another developer submitted �60m proposals to build 600 apartments and houses on a nearby former industrial site.

The area is fast becoming a nationally-recognised tourism and leisure destination Andrew Davies AM

The J-Wharf plans are billed as creating the social hub of the wider SA1 development, providing facilities for a 24-hour "work, live, play" lifestyle.

The idea is to turn the upper floors of the former warehouse near the new sail bridge into a site for new and fledgling firms while also offering combined living accommodation.

It will also include waterfront restaurants with docking facilities, allowing boat users to tie up alongside, as well as space for art galleries and exhibition areas.

Charles Knight of developers Mansford Loft-Co said: "Leisure facilities are key to the success of any business community, but what's needed in SA1 is something that makes a lifestyle statement of its own.

Assembly Economic Development Minister Andrew Davies said the plans added another dimension to the Swansea Waterfront development and would help promote it as a vibrant place to live and work.

"The area is fast becoming a nationally-recognised tourism and leisure destination and one which brings wider benefits to Wales' economy."