New lease of life for University of Wales creative industries

A large part of Swansea's Dylan Thomas Centre will be turned into a business centre for the creative industries.

The University of Wales plans on leasing the building from Swansea council, in order to become home to a programme aimed at promoting creative writing and to promote the University of Wales Dylan Thomas Prize for young writers.

Swansea Council said it could no longer afford to run the centre, which was opened 18 years ago by former US president Jimmy Carter. Since the announcement, it has been negotiating with the university over the lease for the last year.

Council leader, Chris Holley, said: "These are difficult economic times when we have to focus the limited money we have on vital front-line services.

"This agreement will secure the Dylan Thomas Centre's future and ensure Dylan's legacy continues to be celebrated and promoted in his home city."

Professor Medwin Hughes, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wales, explained that the main use of the building would be as a dedicated business space for creative companies.

The university said it would outline its detailed plans for the site in the near future.