Work has begun on a former landmark pub which has stood derelict for years.
Workers have moved onto the site of The Cricketers in Brynmill, and started to clear the site ahead of development into student flats.
The venue, which was once a firm favourite of rugby and cricket fans before and after games at St Helen’s ground opposite, has been empty since 2015.
In November 2017 the property on King Edward's Road was granted planning permission by Swansea Council to turn it into 15 flats and studios, able to accommodate 45 students.
The project was given the go-ahead despite concerted local opposition by residents, supported by councillors, who argued the area was already over-represented by accommodation aimed at students, as well as concerns that number of residents would also on car parking in an area already over-congested with vehicles.
However, despite planning permission having been granted, in May 2018 owners Swan Letting put the building on the market, still as a three-bed property with a flat above the pub.
It was due to go to auction with a guide price of £450,000, but was withdrawn before the sale went ahead.
Concerns were also raised that there was increased drug use in the back street off Gorse Lane.
Now though, Swan Letting have confirmed the development plans are to go ahead, and said work has begun to clear the site, ahead of construction work.
The work, after such a long hiatus, had prompted some concerns.
Uplands councillor Peter May said: “The recent state of the building and the removal of its roof and internal ceiling had raised some significant concerns.
“In response, I have asked council building control officers to go and liase with owners and pay a site visit”.
The Cricketers was a legendary pub among sports fans as well as popular with students as well.
It featured in grainy, black-and-white television images when Sir Garfield Sobers became the first batsman to ever hit six sixes in a single over in first-class cricket, when Nottinghamshire played Glamorgan in 1968.
Cricketing legend Sir Viv Richards was also photographed visiting the venue and pulling pints behind the bar.
