In Swansea, a joint venture between Hammerson and residential specialist Urban Splash has been chosen by Swansea Council and the Welsh Assembly Government from a shortlist of five to lead the regeneration of the city's major retail and waterfront sites.

The proposed scheme, masterplanned by BDP, includes 600,000 sq ft of additional retail space, 1,000 residential units and new leisure, office, hotel and conference facilities on the existing St David's and Quadrant sites and on the car parks at Paxton Street and County Hall.

Chris Holley, Leader of Swansea Council, said: "The appointment of Hammerson and Urban Splash is a massive statement of intent by Swansea. They have the calibre, capabilities and track record to transform Swansea by breathing new life into our retail centre and creating exciting locations along the waterfront."

The appointment follows a nine-month Europe-wide competition which attracted leading developers. The winners will now work up detailed proposals and expect to take 12-18 months to secure planning consent for the regeneration scheme.

And in Leeds, Hammerson and Town Centre Securities have agreed terms with Marks & Spencer to anchor their proposed 1.5m-sq ft Eastgate scheme with a 200,000-sq ft store providing 150,000 sq ft of trading space.

The partners are currently locked in a battle for tenants with the rival Trinity Quarter scheme being promoted by Land Securities and Caddick Developments. The Eastgate scheme gained planning permission in February last year and John Lewis has already signed to anchor it with a 280,000-sq ft store.

In addition, there will be over 100 retail units, restaurants and bars, a hotel, office accommodation, up to 600 new homes and 2,700 associated car parking spaces. It is anticipated that construction of the £800m scheme will begin in 2009, with completion in 2012.

Hammerson chief executive John Richards said: "This is a major step forward in our bid to bring a retail offer of the highest quality to the people of Leeds and the surrounding areas. Securing Marks & Spencer as an anchor tenant is a great coup for the development."

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