The development of the Icon 21 project will start in autumn on the Mariner Street car park site and include purpose-built accommodation for 725 students above shops and businesses.

Standing 72 metres high, it will be Swansea's second tallest building and among the tallest in Wales.

RDE Silex and Varsity Halls are developing the project with support from Swansea Council and the Design Commission for Wales.

Andrew Robinson, of Varsity Halls, said: "We are very proud to be working with Swansea Council to develop this iconic scheme.

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“It will provide the students of Swansea with a new, vibrant community encompassing high-quality, purpose-built accommodation supported by a strong retail offering with excellent access to [the] high street, the campuses of the city's universities and the city's transportation network."

The project will include a mix of studio, cluster and accessible student rooms in a sloped roof building.

Trees will be planted around the building, a new public space will be built and pavements will be widened.

The Icon 21 development is expected to open at the start of the 2019 academic year, following a 20-month construction phase.