A rundown part of Swansea is set to be transformed as part of a new £25m urban village scheme, which has been given the go-ahead by the local authority.

Coastal Housing Group's (CHG) plans for a retail-led overhaul of the city's High Street have been approved by Swansea Council, while a derelict area on The Strand will also be brought back into use. Cardiff-based Holder Mathias Architects have drawn up designs for the Urban Village scheme, which will see a series of new courtyard spaces linking shops, food and drink outlets and offices.

Wales' first "creative cluster" is also being proposed to incorporate a range of creative industries - computer and video games; film, video and animation; music industries; and architecture. Mi-Space, part of Exeter-based construction company Midas Group, has been appointed by CHG to deliver the development, which will take around five years to complete.

Swansea Council leader Chris Holley said: "This is one of the most important developments for the city in 40 years and I'm happy to see it coming to fruition after years of discussions and hard work behind the scenes." Terry Morley of Holder Mathias Architects added: "Our proposals for the scheme will help breath new life into an area of Swansea that has fallen behind other parts of the city."