CITY CENTRE LIVING: Ten new flats planned for top of Princess Way building overlooking Castle Square

Plans have been submitted to create ten new flats on the top floor of a well-known Princess Way commercial building, in the latest sign that Swansea’s city centre is slowly being transformed into somewhere people can live as well as shop.

The application, submitted to Swansea Council by St Mary’s Square Developments, proposes ten one- and two-bedroom apartments on the recessed upper floor of the Castle Quays building — the prominent seven-unit commercial block that stretches along Princess Way with aspects over both Castle Square and the council’s new Y Storfa hub in the former BHS store.

Each of the proposed flats would have access to outdoor patio space. According to the design and access statement submitted with the application, no changes are proposed to the height, footprint or principal exterior elevations of the building. Cycle storage and bin storage would be provided at ground floor level, and supporting reports on noise, bats and green infrastructure have also been submitted as part of the planning package.

St Mary’s Square Developments, a Swansea-based company specialising in mixed-use and build-to-rent schemes, acquired the Castle Quays building in 2025. Work is already under way on the ground floor, where contractors are preparing the former Zara unit for a new occupier.

The Castle Quays application adds to a cluster of residential conversion schemes taking shape in the same part of the city centre.

The Welsh Government has committed millions of pounds in funding towards 29 one- and two-bedroom flats planned for the upper floors of the nearby building currently occupied at ground level by McDonald’s and Taco Bell — a scheme that has already secured planning permission.

Across the road, the old Castle Cinema building is already being converted into 30 flats alongside new commercial units.

Elsewhere in the immediate vicinity, flats have been created in upper floors on Oxford Street, and a major ‘biophilic living building‘ mixed-use development of up to 12 storeys is rising on the former Woolworths site on The Kingsway.

The Princess Way building sits at the heart of some of the most significant change currently under way in the city centre.

On one side it looks over Castle Square, which is in the middle of a multimillion-pound revamp designed to create a greener and more welcoming public space.

The leaf boat sculpture that was a fixture of the square for years was removed as that redevelopment moved ahead, with an artist commissioned to help mark the start of the transformation.

On its other aspect, Castle Quays faces the new Y Storfa building in the former BHS unit — a council-run hub housing a range of public services including the city’s central library.

The drive to bring residents back into Swansea city centre has been a consistent theme for local leaders for decades. The post-war bombing of Swansea and the subsequent rebuilding of the city on largely commercial lines left the centre without a significant residential population — something planners and business groups have long argued needs to change.

The potential loss of further anchor retailers has added urgency to that argument. Marks & Spencer’s Oxford Street store is due to close later this year, following the earlier departure of Debenhams — both significant blows for a high street that is already navigating a fundamental shift away from traditional retail.

Against that backdrop, the case for converting underused upper floors into homes has become harder to argue against.

Andrew Douglas, manager of business group Swansea BID, said a growing residential population was central to the city centre’s long-term health.

“The more people living in the city centre the more they will engage with and enjoy Swansea’s retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors,” he said. He added that residential growth also bolsters investor confidence, describing it as a signal that the city centre is a credible place to live, work and spend time.

As we’ve reported, the question of what shops and brands Swansea needs to attract — and what the future of its retail offer looks like — remains one of the biggest conversations in the city. Increasing the number of people living within walking distance of the shops, bars and restaurants is seen as a key part of making that offer sustainable.

The Castle Quays application is currently with Swansea Council for determination.

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The neighbouring Princess Way conversion scheme has already secured Welsh Government backing — part of the same city centre living push.

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The square overlooked by the Castle Quays building is undergoing its own major transformation.

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SAFER SWANSEA: City centre wins top UK award as crime falls

Swansea city centre has been handed a major national safety seal of approval — with new figures showing crime is falling and businesses are feeling the benefit.

The city has secured a prestigious accreditation for the second time through Swansea Against Business Crime (SABC), a partnership backed by Swansea BID and South Wales Police.

The recognition, awarded by the National Association of Business Crime Partnerships, highlights work to tackle shoplifting, anti-social behaviour and wider safety concerns across the city centre.

And the latest figures suggest that effort is starting to pay off.

Shop theft has dropped by 14.5% over the past year, while incidents of anti-social behaviour are down by more than 6%.

At the same time, outcomes for reported crimes have improved sharply — with nearly two-thirds of shop theft cases now resulting in a positive outcome, rising to 87% for anti-social behaviour.

The figures build on recent improvements highlighted in our coverage of how reports of anti-social behaviour have been falling again in Swansea city centre, alongside targeted policing and partnership work.

Andrew Douglas, manager of Swansea BID, said the accreditation reflects a long-term effort to improve safety and confidence in the city.

He said:

“We are incredibly proud that Swansea Against Business Crime has once again been recognised with this national accreditation.

“It reflects the ongoing commitment, collaboration and dedication of everyone involved in keeping Swansea safe, welcoming and thriving.”

The partnership brings together businesses, Swansea Council and South Wales Police, sharing intelligence and coordinating responses to crime hotspots.

That includes practical measures already rolled out across the city centre — such as a 24/7 business crime hotline, which we previously reported on when it was launched to support traders dealing with persistent issues.

Other initiatives include a city-wide radio network linking businesses, dedicated city centre rangers, and taxi and night marshals aimed at keeping people safe during busy evenings.

These efforts sit alongside wider safety drives — including recent operations where taxis were pulled over in Swansea city centre as part of a safety crackdown, and targeted policing in known trouble spots like Dyfatty.

Steve Gallagher, business crime manager at Swansea Against Business Crime, said the results show what can be achieved through partnership working.

He said:

“This achievement is a testament to the strength of partnership working across Swansea BID, South Wales Police and Swansea Council.

“Together, we work tirelessly to ensure that Swansea is a safe, welcoming place for businesses, residents and visitors to enjoy.”

The accreditation is assessed across a range of areas, including intelligence sharing, communication systems and how effectively organisations work together to tackle crime.

Sophie Jordan, chief executive of the National Association of Business Crime Partnerships, said Swansea’s continued success stood out.

She said:

“Swansea Against Business Crime fully deserves this accreditation.

“Achieving it for a third consecutive year demonstrates a sustained commitment to high standards, effective partnership working and delivering real results.”

The latest recognition also follows other recent accolades for the city, including Swansea’s nightlife retaining its Purple Flag status for more than a decade — a sign of continued efforts to improve safety after dark.

For businesses and visitors, the message is clear: Swansea is aiming to rebuild confidence and show the city centre is a safe place to shop, work and enjoy.

But with ongoing concerns about retail crime and anti-social behaviour across the UK, maintaining that progress will be key.

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Swansea BID welcomes new rates relief — but CAMRA warns support still falls short for struggling pubs

The Welsh Government announced the support package on 3 February, following months of pressure from businesses, industry bodies and local leaders who warned that Welsh pubs and restaurants were being left behind compared with support available in England.

Swansea BID Manager Andrew Douglas said the move would offer “meaningful, immediate” help for venues battling rising costs.

“We welcome the Welsh Government’s decision to provide a 15% reduction in business rates for hospitality businesses,” he said.

“While the sector continues to face real cost pressures, this measure represents a necessary and targeted response, and it will provide meaningful, immediate transitional support for restaurants, pubs and live music venues across Swansea.”

Douglas said the decision followed sustained lobbying from Swansea businesses.

“This reflects the strength of the case consistently put forward on behalf of the city’s businesses. Through Swansea BID, and by working closely alongside the CBI, we have been clear about the challenges facing Swansea’s hospitality sector and the need for targeted relief. I’m pleased those representations have been listened to.”

CAMRA: “Pubs still face closure”

But the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has warned that the relief does not go far enough to protect Welsh pubs already on the brink.

CAMRA has repeatedly said that a 15% discount still leaves Welsh venues at a disadvantage compared with England, where hospitality businesses receive 75% rates relief. The group has warned that without stronger support, more pubs will shut their doors in the coming months.

In recent weeks, Swansea Bay News has reported on a string of closures and near‑misses across the region, including two much‑loved Llanelli restaurants shutting on the same day and the collapse of Swansea’s Founders & Co before a last‑minute rescue.

Sector still under pressure

Hospitality leaders say the new Welsh Government package is welcome but only a temporary fix for a sector hit by rising energy bills, higher supplier costs and fragile consumer spending.

The relief will apply from April, covering the 2025/26 financial year.

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Swansea University ditches disposable cups as new reusable scheme hits campus

The 2GoCup system, already used by cafés and businesses across Swansea city centre, has now launched in several university catering outlets in a bid to cut waste and push students and staff towards greener habits.

The scheme, delivered by Swansea BID in partnership with Swansea Council, lets customers pay a small deposit for a sturdy reusable cup, which can be returned for a refund or swapped for a clean one at any participating venue.

University officials say early feedback has been “really positive”, with hopes the scheme will become part of everyday campus life.

Ben Lucas, Associate Director of Commercial Services at Swansea University, said the move was about “embedding sustainability into daily routines” and encouraging people to ditch disposables.

Mr Lucas said:

“We’re delighted to introduce the 2GoCup scheme across parts of our campus and to see such a positive response from staff and students.

“Small everyday actions can make a big difference, and this initiative supports our ambition to embed sustainability into daily routines while reducing waste.

“We hope this will encourage even more people to choose reusable options and play their part in creating a greener future.”

The university’s rollout follows the scheme’s growing popularity in the city centre, where businesses including Socialdice / Pieminister, Little Man Coffee at Founders, The Storyteller, First Call Coffee, The Cwtch, The Anchor, Café Ark, Hello Asia and two Jenkins Bakery shops have already signed up.

Local employers such as Swansea.com, Morgans Hotel and Peter Lynn and Partners have also bought reusable cups for staff.

Swansea Council says the scheme supports its ambition to become a net zero city by 2050, with Cllr Andrea Williams calling it a “practical way” to cut waste and keep communities cleaner.

Cllr Williams, who is the council’s Joint Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Service Transformation said:

“The 2GoCup scheme is an exciting and practical way to help us on our journey to becoming a net zero city by 2050. Every small change adds up, so by reducing single-use waste, we’re protecting our environment, keeping our communities cleaner and supporting local businesses.

“We’re proud to help fund this initiative and welcome Swansea University’s involvement in helping drive positive behaviour change.”

Swansea BID Manager Andrew Douglas said the early response on campus shows the city is “leading the way on sustainability”, adding that more organisations are expected to join in the coming months.

Mr Douglas said:

“Swansea is a city that looks to the future, and it’s fantastic to see both our city centre businesses and Swansea University leading the way on sustainability.

“The 2GoCup model makes it simple for people to make greener choices without any added hassle, and the early response on campus has been really encouraging.

“We’re excited to build on this momentum over the coming months as more organisations come on board.”

The 2GoCup model was created by an Irish start‑up in 2018 and has since expanded across the UK and Ireland. The cups are BPA‑free, designed for repeated use and fully recyclable at the end of their life.

Swansea nightlife retains Purple Flag accreditation for 11th year

Swansea Council say the sought-after Purple Flag accreditation is a recognition of a commitment to creating a dynamic, secure and vibrant evening and night-time economy.

The council says the award highlights Swansea’s blend of entertainment, dining and culture – all while ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and visitors in the evening and night-time economy.

Assessors said that key successes in Swansea’s submission included the “outstanding” Help Point, a specialist city centre treatment facility providing care to vulnerable people who require treatment as a result of accidents or injuries and the strong partnership commitment and enthusiasm for Purple Flag.

A well-staffed CCTV room with high-resolution cameras covering key areas of the city and excellent communication between partners in the evening and night-time economy was also cited by assessors.

Partners involved in the management of Swansea’s evening and night-time economy include various departments at Swansea Council, Swansea BID (Business Improvement District), South Wales Police, British Transport Police, the Office of the Police Crime Commissioner of South Wales, Mid & West Wales Fire Service, Swansea Street Pastors, Swansea Hospitality Forum and Pub and Club Watch, St John Ambulance Cymru, Swansea University, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, many city centre businesses and Swansea Bay University Health Board.

Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “Purple Flag status reaffirms that Swansea city centre is a vibrant and viable place that keeps visitors coming back for more.

“We’re delighted to be flying the flag once again. 

“The partnership works hard on keeping people safe – and this means that great initiatives can flourish so everyone has a great time out in a safe environment.

“The city’s council-driven £1bn regeneration is strengthening Swansea’s appeal, with fantastic improvements including the new arena and transformed Albert Hall.

“There’s much more to come, including a greener, more welcoming Castle Square Gardens.”

Andrew Douglas, manager of Swansea BID, said: “At Swansea BID, we work tirelessly in collaboration with the council, police, venues and others to ensure visitors can enjoy Swansea’s brilliant food and drink venues safely. 

“Our taxi and night marshals are an integral part of the city’s night-time economy, and the Pubwatch scheme we facilitate with the venues was something that impressed the judges.”

South Wales Police head of community and partnerships Mark Kavanagh, said: “Swansea retaining its Purple Flag status for another year is excellent news and reflects the scale of the work being carried out by the Safer Swansea Partnership.

“Initiatives such as the Swansea Help Point, the student volunteers, and vulnerability awareness training, together with a consistent and reassuring police presence, all helps to make sure that people visiting Swansea and enjoying the available nightlife, are kept as safe as possible.

“South Wales Police is committed to tackling substance use, violent crime and anti-social behaviour in the city, and we cannot achieve this without the help and support of our partners and the public.”

There are 90 Purple Flag destinations across the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Malta, New Zealand and Australia.

Locations range from world renowned tourist destinations to small market towns.

Purple Flag has represented the gold standard evening and night-time economy management for nearly 15 years.

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