The transformation of Castle Square Gardens in Swansea is taking a big step forward, as the council begins its search for a principal contractor to deliver the prestigious scheme.

Public feedback from several rounds of consultation significantly influenced the look and feel of the focal point at the heart of the city centre ahead of planning permission granted earlier this year.

Now the council has moved ahead by putting out the transformation project out to tender.

The plans will see Castle Square Gardens get an increased amount of greenery, including new lawns, ornamental and biodiverse planting, as well as two pavilion buildings for food, drink or retail businesses – one of which will have an accessible green roof.

A new water feature for interactive play is also planned, and a new giant TV screen above a bandstand-style facility will also be installed, in addition to new outdoor seating areas.

New planters, steps, seating, lighting and paving will also be incorporated and the existing leaf boat feature will be removed to another suitable Swansea location in consultation with the original artist.

Council leader Rob Stewart said: "Castle Square Gardens is an iconic feature of our city centre and the re-greening of the area will help boost the city centre's transformation, attract more shoppers and be a focal point for events. 

"We'll be looking for a very high-quality principal contractor with a track record of delivering great projects of the kind we're looking for in Castle Square Gardens.”

He added the feedback, thoughts, ideas and observations from the public will enable the creation of something to complement the £1bn city centre regeneration programme.

“Our contractor will be turning that vision into reality,” he said.

 "It'll be a modern, functional and well-maintained public space which ca accommodate a range of events, arts and cultural experiences." 

The scheme's commercial elements - including restaurant units with outdoor seating - aim to increase the location's vitality and encourage people to stay longer. 

Castle Square Gardens will continue to host public and creative events through the year and the council has pledged there will be no net loss of useable public open space. 

The neighbouring Wind Street has already been improved as a largely pedestrian area - and at the other side of Castle Square Gardens a new public services hub, with library, is planned for the former BHS and What! store.

Consultants Spider management and Acme have been working on Castle Square Gardens on behalf of the council.

Once construction is underway, it's anticipated the new Castle Square Gardens will take around 12 months to complete. 

The principal contractor for the project will be responsible for technical design and construction work.

Included in the contract will be highways works, drainage, landscaping and the construction of two new-build pavilions and a water feature.

Contractors have until June 1 to submit bids via the Sell To Wales website. 

The Castle Square Gardens plans can also be seen online.