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.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Swansea city centre library opens at Y Storfa
The new Central Library opens its doors inside Y Storfa, offering books, digital access and sensory spaces.
New Swansea city centre hub Y Storfa opens its doors
Thousands visit Y Storfa in its first week as council services, archives and advice centres move in.
Castle Square transformation work set to start in January
Major works begin next month to create a greener, more welcoming public space next to Y Storfa.
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