Nando’s eyes new restaurant at Parc Fforestfach retail park
Documents submitted to Swansea Council by LCP Properties Ltd show proposals to convert Unit 3 at the retail park from retail (Class A1) to food and drink use (Class A3). The supporting planning statement, prepared by consultants Squires Planning, names Nando’s as the intended operator.
111 covers, 40 jobs
The 360sqm unit would be fitted out with a 220sqm dining area providing 111 covers, alongside kitchen, storage and staff facilities. The restaurant would open daily from 11.30am to 10pm, employing around 40 full‑time equivalent staff.
Nando’s already operates two Swansea outlets — one in the city centre at Salubrious Place and another at Morfa Retail Park. The new branch would mark a further investment in the city.
Planning context
The application argues that the change of use would bring a vacant unit back into active use, boosting the local economy and supporting the retail park’s wider offer.
While Swansea’s Local Development Plan restricts food and drink uses at out‑of‑centre retail parks to “small scale” provision, the planning statement contends that the proposal is appropriate in scale and nature for Parc Fforestfach. It also notes that Nando’s would not want to locate another restaurant in the city centre due to competition with its existing branch.
Access and impact
The retail park is served by 1,300 parking spaces, bus stops on Pontardulais Road, and pedestrian links from surrounding roads. The planning statement says the new restaurant would not significantly increase traffic compared with other retail uses, and that noise and amenity impacts can be managed through conditions.
Current occupier
Unit 3 is currently occupied by Card Factory, despite the planning statement describing it as vacant. Swansea Bay News has contacted Card Factory for comment on the proposals and whether the retailer plans to relocate.
Next steps
Swansea Council will now consider the application. If approved, the move would see another national restaurant chain join the line‑up at Parc Fforestfach, which already includes Tesco, Boots, Next, Aldi and Costa Coffee.
Nando’s has been approached for comment.
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