Key questions:-

How has the fringe of Swansea changed?

What are the impacts of these changes?

Swansea Vale

Fforestfach Retail Park

Situated 7 kilometres north-east of the CBD. Comprising some 190 hectares, Swansea Vale has business and residential developments. New main roads have been built connecting to the M4.

Swansea Vale is managed by the Swansea Joint Venture - a partnership between the City and County of Swansea and the Welsh Development Agency.

M4 Junction 45

Swansea Vale

This £34 million investment created over 100 quality jobs and represents one of the most advanced silicon wafer reclamation facilities of its kind in the world.

The DVLA have a significant presence within Swansea Vale, having established a large campus of seven buildings within the Central Business Park. Over 1000 people are employed on this campus and a further expansion of the site is proposed.

In the heart of Swansea Vale, Tregof Village comprises 40 acres of prime residential land.

The 6 hectare Swansea Vale Nature Reserve is one of the few remaining areas of wetland habitat in the City and County of Swansea.

The Swansea Vale nature reserve is home to a large variety of plants and animals, from orchids to otters and many are a priority for conservation.

A footpath and boardwalk catering for all abilities has been built around the southern part of the Reserve providing the opportunity to discover woodland, rivers, ponds and marsh.

The traditional Llansamlet village found around Llansamlet Church used to form part of the fringe. Now Swansea Vale is surrounding it with its new residential and business developments.

Local people and organisations have been affected:- Lonlas a Welsh speaking primary school The Plough and Harrow public house

Describe recent changes in the urban rural fringe. (10 marks)

Evaluate the impact of these changes. (10 marks)