NEXT STEP FOR CITY CENTRE: Work begins at former St David’s site for major new office development

The scheme is expected to bring hundreds of workers back into the heart of the city, providing a significant boost in footfall and spending for local businesses. The Council claims the development will follow the success of other recent projects, such as 71/72 Kingsway and the Y Storfa community hub, which are already delivering increased activity to the area.

‘More than Bricks and Mortar’

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, hailed the move as a vital part of the city’s long-term regeneration. He argued that the development is about more than just construction; it is about creating the economic conditions for the city to thrive.

“This is another major step forward in our long-term plan to regenerate Swansea city centre and create the conditions for more jobs, more investment and more opportunities for local businesses,” said Cllr Stewart.

“Developments like this are about far more than bricks and mortar. By bringing hundreds of workers into the city centre every day, we’re increasing footfall and spending power for our existing traders. That in turn helps create the confidence and demand needed to attract new shops, cafés and other businesses.”

Addressing High Street Challenges

The Council Leader acknowledged the ongoing challenges facing traditional high streets, particularly from the rise of online shopping. He stated that the “reality” is that businesses will only invest in Swansea if the footfall figures justify it.

Cllr Stewart added:

“The reality is that shops and other businesses will only choose to open in Swansea if the city centre footfall figures show it’s worth their investment. Schemes like this directly strengthen that case and help ensure our city centre has a strong and sustainable future.”

Essential Site Investigations

The site investigation works currently under way are described by the Council as a “routine and essential part” of major construction projects. These works will inform the detailed design and ensure the site is fully prepared before the main build works begin.

The Council believes that by bringing hundreds of new workers into the city centre daily, the local authority will see a measurable increase in spending at nearby shops, cafes, and services, ensuring the city heart remains resilient and thriving.

Swansea’s half‑finished Copr Bay car park finally shows progress as scaffolding comes down

The long‑delayed multi‑storey, sitting directly opposite Swansea Arena, is at last showing visible signs of progress after months of frustration. The project was thrown into chaos when the original contractor went into administration, leaving the council with a part‑completed shell and a tangle of legal and contractual hurdles to clear before work could restart.

Scaffolding starts to fall after months of delays

Workers from Andrew Scott Ltd, the Swansea‑based firm brought in to rescue the scheme, remain on site carrying out remedial and finishing works. The council says the car park is now on track for completion by early summer, with all remaining work being delivered at no extra cost to taxpayers.

Council Leader Rob Stewart said seeing the scaffolding come down marked a turning point in one of the most difficult chapters of the Copr Bay development.

Cllr Rob Stewart said:

“It’s been hugely frustrating that we were left with a half‑finished structure when the previous contractor failed. Despite the setbacks, we’ve kept the project moving and are on track to complete the work by the early summer.”

A project stalled by a contractor collapse

The car park was originally being built by Buckingham Group before the company went into administration, halting progress overnight. The collapse left Swansea Council with a half‑finished structure and months of legal and contractual work before a new contractor could be appointed.

Andrew Scott Ltd took over the site in 2024, tasked with completing the remedial work, fire protection, weather‑proofing and external finishes left incomplete by the previous contractor.

Retail units on Cupid Way back on the market

Below the car park, the retail units on Cupid Way — the new pedestrian link between the arena bridge and the city centre — are now being remarketed. Businesses originally lined up for the units are being contacted again to see if they still want to take space, with the council anticipating that some could move in as early as the spring.

A key piece of the Copr Bay district

The car park is one of the final unfinished elements of Copr Bay Phase One, which includes the arena, the yellow bridge over Oystermouth Road, Amy Dillwyn Park and new apartments and commercial units.

Once the new car park opens, the ageing St David’s multi‑storey is expected to be demolished as part of the wider regeneration of the area.

Cllr Stewart said completing the structure would help bring “more activity and life” to the district and support local businesses as the area continues to grow.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Council says incomplete Copr Bay car park to open by end of year
Earlier assurances from the council that the unfinished structure would still open on schedule.

Council appoints new Copr Bay contractor
Andrew Scott Ltd confirmed as the firm brought in to rescue the stalled project.

Council holding talks with new contractors after Buckingham goes into administration
The scramble to find a replacement builder after the original contractor collapsed.

Construction company behind Swansea’s new arena goes into administration
Buckingham Group’s collapse sent shockwaves through major UK projects, including Copr Bay.

Key workers start to move into Swansea’s affordable Copr Bay apartments
Progress elsewhere in the district as new residents moved into the development’s housing.

Swansea arena nears million milestone as star acts line up

Packed crowds and star power

Figures released this week show the arena has already drawn over 245,000 visits in 2025 alone, with audiences flocking to see the likes of the Manic Street Preachers, Wet Wet Wet, John Bishop, Riverdance and even a nostalgic night with The Fast Show.

The venue, developed by Swansea Council and part‑funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal, is run by ATG Entertainment. As well as concerts, it has become a hub for conferences, banquets, graduations and creative learning events.

What’s next

The line‑up for 2026 is already turning heads. Kaiser Chiefs, 10cc and Russell Howard are all booked, while UB40 and Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals will bring more variety to the stage.

But the biggest buzz surrounds Mamma Mia, which lands in January with 15 performances and the highest predicted ticket sales for any single show at the arena to date. Fans of Gavin & Stacey will also get their fix when James Corden and Ruth Jones appear in When Gavin Met Stacey, sharing behind‑the‑scenes secrets from Barry Island to Billericay.

Civic pride

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said:

“The Swansea Building Society Arena has quickly established itself as one of the city’s most significant cultural and economic assets. Since opening, it has played a vital role in transforming the Copr Bay district into a vibrant destination, drawing audiences from across Wales and beyond.”

He added that the arena has strengthened Swansea’s reputation as a home for major touring acts while also providing a platform for local artists and community events.

Venue director’s view

Matt Blackhouse, Venue Director, said:

“Since joining the arena team in June this year, it’s been great to see the variety of shows and events we’ve hosted — from three sold‑out nights with Bob Dylan to multi‑day conferences and banquets for over 600 people. With plenty more acts still to be announced, we’re excited to continue bringing top class entertainment to the region and putting Swansea firmly on the map.”

From opening night to cultural hub

Since its launch in March 2022, the arena has been hailed as a catalyst for Copr Bay’s regeneration, shortlisted for architecture awards and praised as a test bed for digital innovation. With visitor numbers now closing in on the million mark, the venue is proving to be both a cultural powerhouse and an economic boost for the city.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea events venue changes name in multi-year partnership
The arena became the Swansea Building Society Arena under a new naming deal.

Figures show arena success since opening
Visitor numbers exceeded projections in the first year of operation.

Swansea Arena shortlisted for top architecture award
The venue’s striking design earned national recognition.

Arena generates visitor and jobs boost for city
Figures showed the arena’s impact on Swansea’s economy and employment.

#ATG #CllrRobStewart #comedy #concerts #Conferences #CoprBay #KaiserChiefs #MammaMia #ManicStreetPreachers #Music #RussellHoward #Swansea #SwanseaArena #SwanseaBuildingSocietyArena #UB40 #WetWetWet

Site investigation works begin ahead of new Swansea city office development

First step towards major new offices

Contractors Andrew Scott Ltd have been appointed by Swansea Council to carry out site investigation works on the site, which will host a new multi‑storey office development. Main construction is due to begin in spring 2026.

The scheme will deliver four upper floors of modern, flexible office space above ground‑floor commercial units, designed to bring hundreds of new workers into the city centre and boost footfall for shops, restaurants and leisure businesses.

“This is about people, not just buildings”

Council Leader Cllr Rob Stewart said the project was central to the city’s transformation:

“This scheme isn’t just about building offices – it’s about people. The more people we bring to work, live and spend time in the city centre, the stronger the case becomes for new shops, restaurants and leisure businesses to open here. Numbers matter when it comes to investment.”

He added that the development was another key step in Swansea’s £1bn regeneration programme, which also includes major schemes already under way across the city.

Sustainability at the core

The new office building has been designed with sustainability in mind. A blue roof will manage rainwater sustainably, while a green roof will provide new habitats to boost biodiversity in the city centre. Solar panels will generate renewable energy, helping to cut carbon emissions and reduce running costs.

Swansea Council will occupy one of the floors, with the remaining space available to a mix of public and private sector organisations.

History of the St David’s site

1982: St David’s Shopping Centre opens alongside the Quadrant, adding to Swansea’s retail core.

2000s: The centre struggles with high vacancy rates and declining footfall.

2011: Swansea Council and Welsh Government purchase the site with regeneration funding.

2013: Part of the centre is demolished to create a 160‑space surface car park, described at the time as a short‑term measure to support traders.

Copr Bay phase 1: Arena, car parks, Copr Bay Bridge and Amy Dillwyn Park delivered, setting the stage for wider regeneration.

Copr Bay phase 2: Site clearance around St David’s progresses, including demolition of a multi‑storey office block and a retirement complex next to St David’s Church.

2025: Site investigation works begin for a new office development — the first major stage of Copr Bay phase 2.

Delivered in partnership

The scheme is being delivered by Swansea Council in partnership with Urban Splash and development manager RivingtonHark, with designs by award‑winning architects shedkm.

It marks the first major stage in the wider regeneration of the former St David’s Shopping Centre site, with further announcements on future plans expected.

Context: Copr Bay phase 2 and site clearance

This office development forms part of Copr Bay phase 2 — the follow‑on stage to the Arena, car parks, Amy Dillwyn Park, Copr Bay Bridge and associated works delivered under Copr Bay phase 1. As the council moved to unlock the next phase, several buildings surrounding the St David’s Shopping Centre were cleared, including a multi‑storey office building and a retirement complex next to St David’s Church. The aim is to open up the area for new commercial space, improved public realm and higher city centre footfall.

Related articles

• Swansea Council provide update on several major schemes

  Latest progress on office projects, a public sector hub and a new hotel as part of the £1bn regeneration programme.

• Site investigation works to start on new city office development

  Preparatory works begin on the former St David’s Shopping Centre site ahead of a new public sector hub.

• All the exciting plans for Swansea in 2025

  From Castle Square to Kilvey Hill, a look at the projects shaping Swansea’s future as part of the £1bn regeneration programme.

• New home for council revealed in Swansea city centre

  Images released of the new public sector hub that will house hundreds of council staff and partners in the city centre.

#AndrewScottLtd #CllrRobStewart #CoprBay #CoprBayBridge #CoprBayPhase2 #newOffices #newShops #regeneration #StDavidSShoppingCentre #Swansea #SwanseaCityCentre #SwanseaCouncil #UrbanSplash

New murals greet city arena visitors

Two large-scale murals have been added to the interior walls of the Copr Bay South car park, used by thousands who enjoy visiting the Amy Dillwyn Park and events at the Swansea Building Society Arena.

One depicts rock duo Royal Blood, the first paid-for ticketed band to play in the arena after its 2022 opening had been celebrated with the Housewarming, starring Welsh emerging and established bands. The House Party is now an annual event to raise monies for Music Venue Trust, celebrate grassroots music in the city, as well as the anniversary of the venue’s test events.

The other celebrates former Swansea novelist, social benefactor and industrialist Amy Dillwyn. The popular park on top of the car park is named after her.

The works – each more than 2.5m tall and around 8.5m long – were designed and painted by South Wales-based graffiti artist RMER in conjunction with Swansea business Oner Signs and Swansea Council.

The aim of the work is to improve the car park’s appearance, enhancing the experience of car park users and to create art that reflect the immediate area.

It’s designed to create a sense of excitement and anticipation for visitors to Swansea’s new and established visitor attractions.

Council cabinet member Elliott King said: “These eye-catching new pieces of public art make a visit to the park, arena and city centre even more enjoyable.

“They’re striking, attractive and reflect old and new Swansea in an engaging, creative manner.”

RMER said: “I loved working with Oner Signs and the council on this exciting commission.

“We came together to create something site-specific for the arena and park, both really great additions to the city.”

Ronny Oner, of Oner Signs, said: “We featured Royal Blood because their performance was the first paid-for ticketed event in the arena.

“So many people who park here will be going to a gig here so we thought they’d be excited by this image. It’s also a lasting reminder of the first headliner of many great gigs at the venue.

“Our painting of a modern actress playing Amy Dillwyn also works really well – and is a reminder that there’s a Purple Plaque in Amy’s honour in the park.

“We hope that our art helps to make arriving here – to visit the park or an event – a memorable part of the day.”

Elsewhere in the Copr Bay development, the council says it is working alongside contractors to complete the Copr Bay North car park and other finishing works. This follows the scheme’s original contractor going into administration.

#AmyDillwynPark #CllrElliottKing #CoprBay #mural #RMER #Swansea #SwanseaArena #SwanseaCouncil

Plaque for ‘truly remarkable’ Swansea woman unveiled for International Women’s Day

A purple plaque has been installed in honour of Amy Dillwyn in the park that bears her name, next to Swansea Arena.

Wales’ Purple Plaques campaign recognises remarkable women, commemorates their achievements and cements their legacy in Welsh history.

Born in Sketty in 1845 to the prominent Dillwyn family, Amy wrote six novels on themes including feminism and social reform. 

Following her father’s death she personally managed the family’s metalworks in Llansamlet, making her one of Britain’s first female industrialists.

She was also a social campaigner and benefactor, advocating for women’s rights. She died in 1935 aged 90.

The plaque was unveiled today to mark International Women’s Day – a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

It can be seen on an outside wall of bar restaurant The Green Room in the Amy Dillwyn Park. A QR code there links to details about Amy Dillwyn on the History Points website.

The unveiling included a performance by Swansea-based Lighthouse Theatre and a reading by Professor Kirsti Bohata, an English literature academic at Swansea University.

Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said: “Amy was a member of the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies and her campaigning work with many other courageous women led to women being granted the right to vote, which is something that should never be forgotten.

“She was a gifted novelist and an astute, successful businesswoman at a time when Swansea was at the heart of the world’s copper smelting industry.”

Sue Essex, chair of Purple Plaque Wales, said: “Our Purple Plaques are for truly remarkable women and Amy Dillwyn certainly fits the brief. 

“She was one of the first, and few, women industrialists of the 19th century, she was a novelist and social campaigner.

“She truly deserves her place in history which we are very proud to see marked by a Purple Plaque in her home city.”

Council cabinet member Elliott King said: “Celebrating the achievements of Amy Dillwyn is a fitting way to recognise the huge contribution she made to our city.”

The Purple Plaques group of volunteers launched their campaign on International Women’s Day 2017. 

The initiative shines a light on the achievements of the many remarkable women who’ve made an impact in Wales and beyond – many of whom have previously gone uncelebrated or been left out of the history books entirely.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

#AmyDilwyn #AmyDilwynPark #CoprBay #heritage #PurplePlaque #Swansea #SwanseaArena #SwanseaCouncil