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EditorSwansea’s new Y Storfa hub draws praise as visitors embrace city centre one‑stop shop
The building, which opened on December 1 in the former BHS store on Oxford Street, has been “busy every day”, according to Swansea Council. The authority says visitors have praised its central location, bright design and the convenience of having multiple services under one roof.
Council leader Rob Stewart said the reaction had exceeded expectations.
Cllr Stewart said:
“We’re delighted that public and staff feedback from the early weeks at Y Storfa has been so positive. Public comments continue to be fantastic; our staff and partners love working here. It’s proving to be a real success.”
Members of the Mentro Allan social group say Y Storfa’s welcoming staff and central location make it an ideal meeting place.(Image: Swansea Council)
Community groups using the space say it has already become a valued meeting point.
Jean Blair, from social group Mentro Allan, said:
“We really enjoy meeting here. Y Storfa has welcoming staff, plenty of comfortable space and is in a central location.”
The South Wales Miners’ Library, now based inside the hub, says the move has made it far easier for people to drop in.
Sian Williams, head of cultural collections at Swansea University, said:
“We’re much more accessible here and are delighted with the number of people who’ve called in and continue to do so. We’re open to everybody and it’s great to welcome a range of visitors.”
The council’s lifelong learning team says demand has surged since relocating.
Swansea University’s Sian Williams says the South Wales Miners’ Library is now “much more accessible” since relocating to Y Storfa.(Image: Swansea Council)Judith Porch from Swansea Council’s lifelong learning team says Y Storfa is helping connect people by bringing multiple services together in one place.
(Image: Swansea Council)
Service co‑ordinator Judith Porch said:
“With so many services being in one space, Y Storfa is connecting people. It’s great for supporting our learners — you can see how people are enjoying the experience. We’ve seen huge interest in our lifelong learning classes; our IT classes are now completely full.”
Frontline staff say the hub is already improving how residents access help.
Senior revenues and benefits officer Andrea Jones says Y Storfa is making it easier for residents to access several services in a single visit.(Image: Swansea Council)
Senior revenues and benefits officer Andrea Jones said:
“Y Storfa has made it easy for customers to access many services in one place. I had a customer who came in for a query about benefits who was then able to go straight to housing options. It makes it much more convenient being in the same location.”
The council says the numbers back up the positive feedback. December saw more than 670 new central library members — more than triple the usual monthly average — and children’s library loans have risen. The South Wales Miners’ Library, Citizens Advice, West Glamorgan Archive Service and Careers Wales all report increased footfall.
Visitors browse bilingual library sections at Y Storfa, where history and arts collections are now housed in the city centre hub.(Image: Swansea Council)
Cllr Stewart says the hub is already playing a role in boosting the wider city centre.
He said:
“Thousands of people have already enjoyed what Y Storfa has to offer. They like its accessible and compelling mix of essential services. There’s been a significant uplift in visitors compared to previous locations used by the services based there.”
Staff at Y Storfa’s circular reception desk assist visitors with council services, library access and lifelong learning enquiries.(Image: Swansea Council)
Y Storfa forms part of Swansea Council’s £1bn regeneration programme and was delivered with support from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns fund. The council says its location — close to car parks, bus routes and the newly reopened Park Street East car park — is helping draw people back into the city centre.
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Local company on major city project
Plexus FS, based in Swansea, said it was appointed to design and install the fire, life safety and security systems for the new cultural hub in the former BHS building. The company said it worked under Kier Construction, through CMB Engineering and Highadmit Projects, as part of the wider city centre redevelopment.
A spokesperson for Plexus FS said the team began work in February 2025 and handed over the completed systems in November.
The firm said it delivered fire detection, emergency voice communication, access control, CCTV, intruder protection and inclusive hearing systems — all designed, according to the company, to keep visitors safe and support smooth day‑to‑day running.
“We delivered under tight deadlines”
Steve Lemon, Project Lead at Plexus FS, said the project was a major moment for the team.
“Y Storfa is a major addition to Swansea’s cultural landscape. Projects of this scale demand absolute confidence in safety systems from the outset. Our team delivered under tight deadlines without compromising standards.”
He said the company was proud to continue supporting Swansea’s regeneration after work on 71 and 72 Kingsway, the Palace Theatre, Swansea Arena and the Biophilic building.
Steve Lemon from Plexus FS and Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart outside Y Storfa, with the building’s green wall and signage behind them. Image: Swansea Council / Plexus FS.Council says keeping work local is vital
Swansea Council said using local firms on flagship projects was a deliberate move to keep investment and jobs in the city.
Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said the project showed the value of backing home‑grown expertise.
“It is excellent to see Swansea‑based businesses delivering high‑profile projects right in the heart of the city. Keeping skills, jobs and investment local strengthens the economy and supports sustainable growth.”
Plexus FS said the project further strengthens its reputation as a partner for complex developments across South Wales.
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Thousands flock to new city centre hub as Y Storfa officially opens
The former BHS department store on Oxford Street has been transformed into a buzzing community hub, bringing the city’s Central Library, housing services, archives and advice centres together under one roof.
Crowds pour in since doors opened
Y Storfa has been open since December 1 and has already welcomed thousands through its doors. Social media has been flooded with praise from locals.
Visitor Pat Baldrian said:
“I really like it. I’ll be a regular visitor – it’s so convenient whilst in town.”
Ronny Oner added:
“It was super busy when we popped in to have a gander.”
Library visitors engage with Swansea’s cultural collections at Y Storfa, now more accessible than ever.(Image: Swansea Council)Council leader Rob Stewart, Minister Julie James and cabinet member Elliott King officially open Y Storfa, Swansea’s new city centre public services hub.
(Image: Swansea Council)
Ministers cut the ribbon
The hub was formally opened today (December 17) by Julie James MS, Counsel General and Minister for Delivery, alongside Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart and cabinet member Elliott King.
Council leader Rob Stewart said:
“It’s fantastic that Y Storfa has enjoyed successful public and formal openings – and that so many people have already visited and given us great feedback. It’ll deliver essential services to people from across Swansea and will help drive new business to nearby traders. It’ll be even better when we complete our ongoing transformation of the neighbouring Castle Square which will soon be greener and more welcoming than ever.”
Bilingual plaque marks the official opening of Y Storfa in 2025, funded by the UK and Welsh Governments.(Image: Swansea Council)Exhibition at Y Storfa traces the history of the site, from Victorian arcades to modern public services.
(Image: Swansea Council)
Services under one roof
Inside Y Storfa, visitors will find the city’s Central Library, a children’s library with sensory play, the West Glamorgan Archive Service, Housing Options and Housing Support, plus bases for Careers Wales and Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot. Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library has also moved in.
To mark the opening, an exhibition in the community event space highlights the building’s history and the changing face of the city centre.
Employment support on offer at Y Storfa through Communities for Work, helping residents find jobs and training.(Image: Swansea Council)
Praise from partners
Jayne Bryant, Welsh Government cabinet secretary for housing and local government, said:
“With the opening of Y Storfa, we’re bringing essential services together under one roof – making support more accessible while creating a vibrant hub that strengthens Swansea’s community and boosts local businesses. I’m proud that our Welsh Government Transforming Town programme helped to fund this project, and I’m delighted that so many residents of all ages are already using this fantastic space.”
Caroline Newman, chief officer of Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot, said:
“Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot are already settling in to Y Storfa. Access for clients is much easier and the surroundings warm, bright and welcoming. Having the right environment is far more conducive to helping some of the most vulnerable people in our community.”
Sian Williams, head of Cultural Collections at Swansea University, said:
“We are delighted that Y Storfa will be the new home of the South Wales Miners’ Library. Our new location will mean these remarkable collections — rich in stories of Wales and Swansea’s industrial and cultural heritage — are even more accessible. We look forward to collaborating with Swansea Council colleagues and the other Y Storfa tenants to engage new audiences, inspiring and informing future generations.”
Visitors explore digital resources at Y Storfa’s Central Library, now housed in the repurposed BHS building.(Image: Swansea Council)
A new heartbeat for the city
With hundreds of nearby parking spaces and easy access to public transport, Y Storfa is set to become a central hub for Swansea life.
Ian Rees, regional director for Kier Construction Western & Wales, said:
“It has been fantastic to see Y Storfa buzzing with life since it opened. Delivering this vibrant space in the heart of Swansea city centre embodies our commitment to creating sustainable, community‑focused facilities that will benefit future generations for decades to come.”
The council says the hub will grow even further once the neighbouring Castle Square is transformed into a greener, more welcoming public space.
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The facility is part of the authority’s £1bn regeneration programme and brings together a range of services under one roof, including the city’s Central Library, Housing Options, Housing Support, and the West Glamorgan Archive Service. Careers Wales, Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot, and Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library also have bases there.
Council leader Rob Stewart described Y Storfa as “a great city centre space for the people of Swansea to access services they use day in day out,” adding that it would “make the city centre an even better place to visit.”
Visitors gather at the main reception desk inside Y Storfa on opening day.(Image: Swansea Council)
The project has been funded in part by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, with construction led by Kier. Ian Rees, regional director for Kier Construction Western & Wales, said the company was “incredibly proud to see Y Storfa open its doors to the public, providing a vital community space right at the heart of the city centre.”
Wendy Williams of Careers Wales said the move would make it easier for residents to access free careers advice in a central location, while Caroline Newman of Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot said the relocation would “improve accessibility and create opportunities for collaboration.”
Bilingual signage marks the entrance to the Children’s Library at Y Storfa.(Image: Swansea Council)The library space at Y Storfa features modern furnishings and seasonal decorations.
(Image: Swansea Council)Staff members at the new Children’s Library inside Y Storfa, part of Swansea Central Library’s relocated services.
(Image: Swansea Council)
Services available at Y Storfa
- 📚 Swansea Central Library
- 🏠 Housing Options and Housing Support services
- 📜 West Glamorgan Archive Service
- 🎓 Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library
- 💼 Careers Wales advice centre
- ⚖️ Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot
- Other council services relocated from the Civic Centre
Note: Registration offices and bereavement services remain at the Civic Centre until further notice.
The opening means there is now no public access via the front doors of Swansea Civic Centre. Council services previously based there have transferred to Y Storfa, although registration offices and bereavement services will continue to operate from the Civic until further notice.
The council says redevelopment plans for the Civic Centre are still being worked on and will be announced once finalised.
#archives #bhs #careersWales #centralLibrary #citizensAdvice #civicCentre #featured #housingOptions #housingSupport #library #oxfordStreet #princessWay #swansea #swanseaCouncil #swanseaUniversityMinersLibrary #westGlamorganArchiveService2 #yStorfa
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Opening date confirmed for Swansea’s new Y Storfa hub
According to Swansea Council, the transformation of the former BHS building at the junction of Oxford Street and Princess Way is a key part of its £1bn regeneration programme. The authority says the project is designed to revitalise the city centre and bring services together under one roof.
“Firm opening date before Christmas”
Council Leader Rob Stewart said the opening was a major milestone:
“It’s fantastic that we now have a firm opening date for Y Storfa – and that it’ll be before Christmas. It’ll be a great new facility that’ll help make the city centre an even better place to visit. The great public interest in Y Storfa will mean added footfall for nearby traders as the festive season develops. It’ll be a place where people can come together – to learn, access important services, or take part in community life in a modern and welcoming space.”
Services under one roof
Swansea Council says that when Y Storfa opens, visitors will be able to access the city’s Central Library, which the authority notes will include dedicated areas for children and families. The council also states that the building will house its Housing Options and Housing Support teams, alongside the West Glamorgan Archive Service.
According to the council, Y Storfa will not just feature council services. Careers Wales and Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot have confirmed they will have permanent bases in the hub, while Swansea University has said its South Wales Miners’ Library is among the organisations preparing to move in over the coming weeks. The council describes these combined services as making Y Storfa a one‑stop destination for learning, advice, and community support.
Wider regeneration
Swansea Council says the opening of Y Storfa is part of a much broader transformation of the city centre. The authority points to work underway next door at Castle Square, which it describes as being redeveloped into a greener, more welcoming public space. Council leaders also highlight other recent projects they have driven, including the creation of the Swansea Building Society Arena, the redesign of The Kingsway and Wind Street, new office space at 71/72 Kingsway, and the restoration of the historic Palace Theatre.
According to the council, private developers are also investing heavily in the area. Projects cited include the Biophilic Living Building on Oxford Street, the Princess Quarter development, and the revival of the Albert Hall, which the authority says are adding to the momentum of regeneration in the city centre.
Backed by Welsh Government
Funding for Y Storfa has come from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, with construction led by The Kier Group.
The council says the hub will provide a modern, welcoming environment for residents and visitors, while boosting footfall for city centre traders in the run‑up to Christmas and beyond.
#bhs #castleSquareRedevelopment #centralLibrary #centralLibraryMove #centralLibraryRelocation #centralLibrarySwansea #kierGroup #oxfordStreet #princessWay #swansea #swanseaCentralLibrary #swanseaCouncil #swanseaRegeneration #yStorfa #yStorfaSwansea
Swansea Central Library prepares for move to Y Storfa
Swansea Council has confirmed that all library services at the Civic Centre will close on Monday, October 20, with the new Y Storfa facility due to open several weeks later. The exact opening date will be announced soon.
Around 60,000 books and other items are being carefully packed for the move, including 5,000 historic and modern maps, 3,500 microfilm reels, 4,000 picture books, 2,200 graphic novels, and accessible materials such as large‑print, audiobooks, dyslexia‑friendly titles and Braille.
Poster at Swansea Central Library informing visitors about the forthcoming move to Y Storfa.(Image: Swansea Council)Artist’s impression of how Swansea Central Library will look inside Y Storfa.
(Image: Swansea Council)
New facilities at Y Storfa
The new Central Library will feature a glass‑fronted children’s library with thousands of books, a sensory wall, interactive games, and a retro gaming area for older children. Board games for families and adults will also be available.
Visitors will be able to access physical newspapers such as the South Wales Evening Post, bound archives, and hundreds of digital titles via the library’s Press Reader and Borrowbox services. Historic newspapers will also be available online through subscription resources and the National Library of Wales.
Temporary arrangements
Swansea’s 16 community libraries will remain open during the transition, although public PCs will be unavailable on October 22 and 23 due to maintenance. Borrowed items can be returned to branch libraries, and online services will remain available 24/7.
Part of city centre regeneration
Y Storfa is part of Swansea Council’s £1bn regeneration programme and will pave the way for the redevelopment of the Civic Centre site.
Cllr Elliott King, cabinet member for culture, Swansea Council, said: “Y Storfa will give residents a modern, welcoming Central Library at the heart of the city centre. It’s good to see that preparations for the move are well underway.”
Cllr Rob Stewart, leader of Swansea Council, said: “Y Storfa will create a central hub where people can learn, access support and come together. It’ll create footfall for city centre businesses and will further boost Swansea’s regeneration.”
Artist’s impression of Y Storfa, opposite Swansea’s new-look Castle Square.(Image: Swansea Council)More than a library
Alongside the Central Library, Y Storfa will also house the West Glamorgan Archive Service, Housing Options and Housing Services, the council’s contact centre, lifelong learning, and revenue and benefits teams.
Non‑council tenants will include Careers Wales, Citizens Advice Neath Port Talbot, and Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library.
The project has been supported by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.
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Swansea Central Library preparing for move to Y Storfa hub
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#BHS #CastleSquare #CentralLibrary #CentralLibraryMove #CentralLibraryRelocation #CivicCentre #CllrElliottKing #CllrRobStewart #Library #Swansea #SwanseaCentralLibrary #SwanseaCouncil #YStorfa