MORRISTON: Work begins to save crumbling historic house

Work is finally moving forward to protect one of Morriston’s most recognisable – and long-neglected – buildings.

The Grade II-listed Danbert House, a striking Victorian townhouse on Morfydd Street, has stood empty for decades – but now fresh efforts are underway to safeguard what remains.

Backed by funding from Swansea Council and the Welsh Government, the next phase of work is focusing on understanding the building’s true condition.

Scaffolding has now been installed both inside and out, allowing specialists safe access to carry out a detailed historic survey of the structure.

Despite its deteriorated state, Danbert House remains a well-known local landmark, originally built in the 1880s for tinplate manufacturer Daniel Edwards and named after his ‘Danbert’ brand.

The building is privately owned, and the current owner is working to create a full and accurate record of its condition. This will be submitted to the Royal Commission to guide any future restoration in line with official heritage requirements.

Councillor David Hopkins said the progress marks an important step forward.

He said: “Danbert House is a well-known Morriston landmark and an important part of the area’s heritage.

“While it has sadly been in a derelict state for many years, it’s encouraging to see positive progress being made.

“These grants will help enable the specialist access and surveys needed to fully understand the building’s condition and plan the next stages of safeguarding and restoration.”

Funding for the work has come through the council’s Economic Stimulus Fund alongside the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.

While there’s still a long road ahead, the latest developments raise fresh hopes that the historic building could one day be brought back into use.

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Swansea city centre to kick‑start festive season with Victorian Fayre, Winter Wonderland and Christmas Parade

From Thursday November 20, Oxford Street, Princess Way and Portland Street will be transformed into a Victorian‑style market for four days, with around 50 artisan stalls, costumed traders, street food and live entertainment.

The Victorian Christmas Fayre is a new addition to Swansea’s festive calendar, designed to bring the sights, sounds and tastes of a traditional Christmas to the city centre.

On Friday November 21, Waterfront Winterland opens at Museum Park, offering ice skating, rides and festive food.

The celebrations culminate on Sunday November 23, when the Christmas Parade takes to the streets with floats, bands, choirs and light‑up characters. Santa will switch on the city’s Christmas lights at the end of the procession, following a fireworks display at the Guildhall to mark the start of the parade.

Cllr David Hopkins, Swansea Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Delivery, said:

“Swansea city centre will be the place to be this Christmas, with more festive fun than ever before. We’re proud to bring back much‑loved favourites, alongside exciting additions such as the Victorian Christmas Fayre and several other new events for 2025.”

#Christmas #ChristmasParade #CllrDavidHopkins #Swansea #SwanseaCityCentre #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaVictorianChristmasFayre #Victorian #WaterfrontWinterland

Swansea councillors vow to fight for Ospreys as WRU cuts loom

At Swansea Council’s full council meeting on 6 November 2025, members from across the chamber united in opposition to the WRU’s restructuring, warning it risks the future of the Ospreys and undermines rugby in the west.

WRU’s three‑club plan

The WRU has confirmed it intends to reduce the number of professional teams in Wales from four to three, citing financial pressures and the need to concentrate resources. The plan would leave only three regions competing at the top level, with the Ospreys and Scarlets both facing uncertainty over their future. Critics have branded the move “short‑sighted” and “not fit for purpose,” warning it would weaken the game in West Wales and damage pathways for young players.

“The only true region”

Deputy Leader David Hopkins (Labour, Townhill) told councillors the Ospreys are “the only true region” and their contribution to communities and the wider game is “invaluable.” He said the council is already working closely with the club to secure its future.

Opposition leader Chris Holley OBE (Liberal Democrats, Cwmbwrla) agreed, warning that reducing to three regions would be “a backward step” and “doesn’t help us in this region.”

Council leader calls plan “flawed”

Council Leader Rob Stewart (Labour, Morriston) branded the WRU’s plan “flawed in every respect,” stressing the Ospreys are Wales’ most successful region. “We will continue to bat as hard as we can for them to remain,” he said, confirming ongoing dialogue with the union.

St Helen’s redevelopment plans

The debate also touched on the Ospreys’ future home. Cllr Peter May (Uplands Party, Uplands) noted the club had been planning a move to St Helen’s in his ward, describing it as “an exciting time” for the area.

Planning approval for the redevelopment of St Helen’s was granted earlier this year, with proposals including new facilities and improvements to the historic ground. At the time, Rob Stewart welcomed the decision, saying it would “secure the Ospreys’ long‑term future in Swansea and provide a boost for rugby and the city.”

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Over 4,600 attend Swansea’s Student Shopping Night — biggest turnout on record

Held on Tuesday 7 October, the city-centre celebration marked a 54% increase in student footfall since 2023, with organisers hailing the event as a major success for both local businesses and civic engagement.

Festival atmosphere across Quadrant and Market

Delivered in partnership between the Quadrant Shopping Centre, Swansea BID, and Swansea Council–managed Swansea Market, the event welcomed students with exclusive discounts of up to 30% across more than 60 retailers and stallholders. Over 50 bars, performers, and local businesses helped create a vibrant, festival-style atmosphere across Swansea’s two key shopping destinations.

Civic leaders praise economic impact

Andrew Douglas, Swansea BID manager, said the event “once again exceeded all expectations,” adding:

“The continued growth in attendance highlights how important experience-led events like this are for students and businesses alike. It’s fantastic to see so many young people discovering what Swansea has to offer, while also driving significant economic benefit for our city centre.”

Jane White, Company Executive at Centurion, owners of the Quadrant, said:

“2025 was our biggest and most successful yet. The collaboration between major retailers, independents, and hospitality businesses showcased the very best of Swansea. The strong sales performance reflects growing consumer confidence in the city.”

Councillor David Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Delivery and Joint Deputy Leader of Swansea Council, added:

“Swansea Market continues to play a central role in city life, and events like Student Shopping Night, part-funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, help us connect with the next generation of residents and shoppers.”

Local favourites join the celebration

Among the 50+ participating businesses were AU Vodka, Bunkhouse Live Music Venue, Bambu, Bonnie Rogues, Buzz Trampoline Park, and Joe’s Ice Cream, with organisers noting strong engagement across food, retail, and entertainment sectors.

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Two new councillors join Swansea Council Cabinet in reshuffle

Councillors Rebecca Fogarty and Andrew Williams will share the new post of Corporate Services following a mini‑reshuffle prompted by the temporary absence of long‑serving Cabinet Member Robert Francis‑Davies, who is taking leave due to ill‑health.

Job share approach

Council leader Rob Stewart said the move reflected Swansea’s commitment to flexible leadership and resilience.

“We all want to wish Cllr Francis‑Davies a speedy recovery during his temporary leave of absence.

In the meantime, I want to welcome Cllr Fogarty and Cllr Williams to their new roles. By introducing a second job share post, we are embracing new ways of working that support Cabinet Members and ensure we remain resilient and responsive to the needs of our residents,” he said.

It is the second job share arrangement within the Cabinet. The first, covering Community Services and Support, has been jointly held by councillors Cyril Anderson and Hayley Gwilliam for several years.

Portfolios divided

Under the new structure:

• Cllr Fogarty will oversee the mayoralty, civic functions and commercial services, among other duties.
• Cllr Williams will take responsibility for performance, including planning, public protection, performance monitoring, customer services and licensing.

Other Cabinet members will also see their portfolios adjusted:

• Joint Deputy Leader Cllr David Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Delivery, will add parks, sports development and inward investment to his existing responsibilities for health and safety and building control.
• Joint Deputy Leader Cllr Andrea Williams, Cabinet Member for Service Transformation, will now also oversee residential inward investment and strategic housing delivery.
• Council Leader Rob Stewart will work alongside Cllr Hopkins and Cllr Elliott King, Cabinet Member for Culture, Human Rights and Equalities, on tourism and regeneration, areas previously led by Cllr Francis‑Davies.
• Cllr Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, will take on EV infrastructure and sports development, while also working with the Leader and Cllr Hopkins on community regeneration and suburban centres.

Focus on residents

Cllr Stewart said the reshaped Cabinet would ensure continuity and focus.

“Swansea Council is always here for the people of our city. We’ve re‑shaped the Cabinet and brought two new members on board to make sure we remain focussed on our residents’ priorities, delivering the services that touch their lives every day.”

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Young Swansea trader shines at market event

Bethany Coram, owner of Coram Ceramics, was named joint winner in the arts and crafts category at the South Wales regional final of the NMTF Young Traders Market competition, held at Swansea Market.

She shared the accolade with Alana Jones, founder of Alana Jayne Jewellery in Ammanford. Both will now go on to represent the region at the competition’s grand final in Stratford-upon-Avon this August.

The event, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, brought together nine of South Wales’ most promising young traders, who showcased their businesses alongside the market’s popular vegan mini-market.

David Hopkins, Swansea Council joint deputy leader, said: “Competition judges were impressed with the ambition of the young traders, and the quality of their offers. We wish them all the very best as they continue their endeavours in market trading.”

Judges included Swansea Lord Mayor Cheryl Philpott, and council regeneration managers Clare James and Matt Callaghan.

Alana Jones was also named overall winner of the regional final.

Other category winners included:

• Abigail Smith, of Abi’s Macarons (Bridgend)
• Katie Lambert, of Classy Canine Creations (Bridgend)

Highly commended awards went to:

• Leah Morgan, of Malfie & Cro (Cwmbran)
• Charlotte Taylor, of Taylor’s Tiny Tots (Merthyr Tydfil)

The event also honoured Wayne Holmes, chair of Swansea Market’s NMTF branch, who received a special presentation from NMTF president Mike Riley and the Lord Mayor in recognition of his 30 years of trading at the market.

Swansea Market, managed by Swansea Council, is the largest indoor market in Wales and was crowned Britain’s best large indoor market last year.

#Business #ceramics #CllrCherylPhilpott #CllrDavidHopkins #jewellery #LordMayorOfSwansea #marketTraders #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaMarket #UKSharedProsperityFund

British Red Cross teams up with Swansea Council to help people during emergencies

The charity and the council will now work closely together to make sure people get the help they need in an emergency. This might include checking on people, giving out supplies, helping with shelter, or sending out trained volunteers.

“We’re very happy to be working with the council”, said Laurie Wynne, British Red Cross Emergency Response manager for Wales.

“Together, we can make sure that people are safe and looked after when something goes wrong. We have an experienced team of emergency response volunteers in Swansea, who have supported at major incidents including floods, fires, residential gas explosions, and recently helped people affected by Storms Bert and Darragh.” 

This landmark agreement will ensure coordinated efforts in the event of emergencies and other planned or unforeseen incidents that impact residents of Swansea council. Under the new partnership, the British Red Cross will work closely with the council’s emergency planning and community services teams to provide volunteer mobilisation, assistance with rest centres, welfare checks and logistical support where needed.

The highly trained Emergency Response team is made up of volunteers from the British Red Cross who give their time freely, responding to incidents 365 days of the year, 24 hours a day. They are able to attend different kinds of emergency incidents to support people in crisis, such as domestic fires, floods or major incidents. The vehicle they use has been specially adapted for emergencies, stocked with practical items people may need such as clothes, blankets and hygiene packs.

David Hopkins, Joint Deputy Leader of the Council, said: “Major incidents are thankfully rare. But our teams are well-prepared and trained to step up at a moment’s notice to support those most affected in an emergency.

“We work closely with the emergency services and this new agreement with the British Red Cross strengthens our relationship with them and improves the resilience of our emergency response arrangements.

“Best of all, working with the support of the British Red Cross means our residents have further reassurance that if there a major incident, their volunteers will be here for them.

“This is all about helping our community. By working with the Red Cross, we can reach people more quickly and offer more support when it’s needed most.”

The agreement also means the charity and the council will practice how to respond to emergencies together and share important information how to stay prepared.

#BritishRedCross #CllrDavidHopkins #emergency #EmergencyResponse #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

Market entrances to get new look after public vote

Swansea Market’s entrances on Oxford Street, Union Street and Whitewalls in the city centre are set to be refreshed and modernised after feedback from shoppers and market traders.

The council say the chosen copper-coloured design reflects Swansea’s industrial heritage; its semi-circular shape hints at the market’s logo and huge domed roof.

Words used by voters to describe the design included: Inviting, majestic, striking, sleek, elegant, clean and modern.

They like that it includes the words Swansea and Abertawe – making it clear that it plays a key role in its community.

Swansea Council cabinet member and joint deputy leader David Hopkins said: “I thank everybody who took part in our consultation through February and into March.

“Hundreds of people voted and many commented on social media – and the winning design shone through as the overwhelming favourite.

“It’ll help ensure a bright future for a great location; we plan smarter, more visible and vibrant entrances to attract customers and help traders continue to deliver a great service.

“We also want this work to improve security and deter anti-social behaviour and vandalism.”

Recent popular improvements at the venue – judged Britain’s Best Large Indoor Market in 2024 – have included public toilets and a new meeting area and social space, The Market Garden.

The council, working with traders and Wales-based consultants Tangent Partnership, created three concept options for the design of the new look of the entrances in Whitewalls, Oxford Street and Union Street.

There were a number of ways that everybody – including those with a disability- could have their say, including an online survey, a Have Your Say area in the market and face to face chats with the project team.

In the public vote, more than six in 10 votes went to the most popular concept.

The selected design – including a number of new standard entrance features such as new lighting, flooring, signs and security – will now go through the formal planning process.

The council say that other public thoughts about the market and its entrances are being considered.

Initial work on the new entrances has included the removal of previous canopies and maintenance of the mast structures.

The council say it’s planned that remaining work on the new entrances will be carried out this year.

#CllrDavidHopkins #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaMarket

New operator the Swansea Airport Stakeholders’ Alliance (SASA) started work at the facility that day after high-level talks with land owner Swansea Council.

SASA has taken on the Fairwood Common facility on a temporary basis, with the previous leaseholder agreeing to relinquish its lease.

The airport will continue to operate and the council will soon begin a process to find a long-term tenant.

Bob Oliver MBE, Chairman of the Alliance said: “Friday marked the culmination of three years of intensive work by the Alliance. I pay tribute to the skill and professionalism of Alliance members, of our stakeholders and of the council, who have put their faith in us to secure a brighter future for the Airport. 

“Our first task is to take stock of what we have inherited and then begin to bring the airport back to life –  to make it a welcoming place to visit, to start delivering social, environmental and economic benefits to the council and the people of Swansea and to make it a facility we can all be proud of.”  

Council leader Rob Stewart said: “We’re delighted to have the alliance in place as a temporary new leaseholder. They’ve started running the airport and its members are eager to make a success of it.”

Council joint deputy leader David Hopkins said: “We’ll start to look for a long-term solution through a competitive tender process. The alliance will have the opportunity, with others, to bid in that process. There’ll be opportunities for future investment in Swansea Airport.

“We’ll keep the public informed about our ongoing activity to give the airport a viable future.”

Swansea Council is the landlord of Swansea Airport. It says a range of issues with the previous tenant arose over recent years. These resulted in the existing lease being brought to an end. 

To ensure the facility remains open, the council say the alliance have taken temporary control of the airport now that the previous leaseholder has vacated, ensuring a seamless handover.

The council adds that it does not envisage any additional cost to the taxpayer and the airport will remain open.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/09/09/new-chapter-begins-for-swansea-airport/

#CllrDavidHopkins #CllrRobStewart #featured #Swansea #SwanseaAirport #SwanseaCouncil