Work has begun on a 30-million pound retail complex on the former David Evans department store site in Swansea city center.

The three-story glass and steel building will house a range of fashion stores and is expected to create several hundred new jobs.

Contractors say construction is likely to last around 60 weeks, with the new commercial metal building complete in autumn next year.

David Evans, the city's oldest department store, shut in January 2005 and was demolished earlier this year. The new complex will include fashion chains Zara and Slater Menswear as well as independent Swansea retailer J T Morgan.

Swansea Council said developer Thurleigh Estates was working to attract other tenants.

During construction the authority said there would be some disruption to traffic using Castle Street and College Street, but cabinet member for economic development Gareth Sullivan added that:

"Nearby traders have been consulted and every effort will be made to minimise disruption."

He said when completed, the metal building would give the city center a "wow factor" that should attract more shoppers.