Huge cranes have sprung up over Swansea - dominating the skyline for miles around.

The temporary landmarks tower over the High Street area of the city, and are visible to visitors coming by train and into the area by car for some distance.

One is 43.1 metres high and the other a towering 66 metres.

But why have they appeared, and what is the development they are required for?

The answer is a new student and commercial development being built opposite Swansea train station.

The multi-million pound development will create hundreds of student flats
An artist's impression of how the student development planned at Mariner Street car park, opposite High Street railway station, will look

The site will cater for 780 students in a 17-storey tower and adjoining block, with the aim to have it open for business by the 2021 academic year.

As well as students, commercial tenants will occupy two units nearby.

Fusion Students is the firm behind the £65m-plus scheme, which is hoped to bring "life and vitality" to High Street.

More about the development:

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Demolition work has been carried out at the Mariner Street site, with parking spaces relocated to the top of the multi-storey car park in High Street.

Speaking at the start of the project, council Leader, Cllr Rob Stewart, said: "It's hugely important for us in terms of High Street and the vibrancy we are trying to bring to the city.

"Having 780 students will really help that, and bring new businesses to the city centre."

The scheme is the biggest of several purpose-built student accommodation projects under way in Swansea.

Another viewpoint of the student tower and block opposite Swansea rail station
The cranes dominate the skyline of Swansea
One of the cranes on the new student development site

Others include a 706-bedroom development at the old Unigate Dairy site on Morfa Distributor Road, and a 645-bed scheme on Kings Road, SA1.

The first of the new developments to open will be a 310-bed development on the corner of The Kingsway and Christina Street, and a 556-bed scheme at the revamped Oldway Centre, just a stone's throw from Mariner Street.