SWANSEA: Kingsway office block on old Oceana nightclub site named most impressive commercial workplace in South of England and Wales

Generations of Swansea revellers knew 71/72 The Kingsway as Oceana — one of the city’s biggest nightclubs. Now the site has won two national awards as one of the most impressive new office buildings in the South of England and South Wales.

71/72 Kingsway — the striking glass and concrete building that replaced the former nightclub — took home both the Commercial Workplace award and the Innovation award at the British Council for Offices South of England & South Wales Awards, held in Bristol on Wednesday night.

It was the only building in the competition to win two categories — beating schemes in Penzance, Maidenhead, Bracknell and Bristol to claim the double. It is also the only Welsh winner in this year’s competition.

Judges said the building “stood out for its seamless integration of architectural quality, sustainability, and user-focused innovation” — and called it “an enabler for future regeneration of Swansea city centre, with multiple active frontages, new routes, and a bold architectural approach.”

Swansea Council built the development — partly funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal — with the ambition of turning The Kingsway into a proper business district. The numbers suggest it is working. Around 80% of the office space is already let, and the council estimates that once fully occupied, the building could create up to 600 jobs and contribute £32.6 million to the city’s economy every year.

The building is already filling up fast. Global workspace giant IWG — which runs Regus — signed for 20,000 sq ft earlier this year, joining TUI, Amazon-owned Veeqo, Optical Express, sk:n clinic and Futures First as tenants.

Harry Allen, chair of the judging panel and director at Savills, said what stood out about this year’s winners was their impact beyond the workplace itself.

“From revitalising town centres and supporting local economies to redefining the role of the modern office, each scheme demonstrates how far the sector has evolved,” he said. “Collectively, they reflect a growing emphasis on sustainability, wellbeing and creating workspaces with a strong sense of place.”

BCO chief executive Samantha McClary said the Swansea win was proof that reports of the death of the office had been greatly exaggerated.

“Vibrant, impactful, enablers, drivers of economic growth — this is exactly what our workspaces are,” she said. “The idea that the office is dead is most definitely fake news.”

Inside, the building is as striking as its exterior. A stepped timber forum runs the length of the ground floor, lit by dozens of circular pendant lights. A sculptural spiral staircase connects the upper floors. A rooftop terrace — where Swansea’s big wheel is visible on the skyline — sits above it all.

The ground floor reception and atrium of 71/72 Kingsway, showing the building’s exposed concrete and industrial design aesthetic. (Image: supplied) The stepped forum inside 71/72 Kingsway, one of the design features cited by BCO judges. (Image: supplied)
71/72 Kingsway seen from street level, with The Kingsway visible below and the building’s distinctive upper floors and mesh façade above. (Image: Johan Dehlin / supplied)The rooftop terrace at 71/72 Kingsway, with the Swansea big wheel visible on the skyline. (Image: Johan Dehlin / supplied)

The award is the latest piece of good news for Swansea’s city centre regeneration. The former Debenhams building — long a symbol of high street decline — was sold earlier this month to Quadrant owners Centurion, with three major new tenants expected to be named soon.

71/72 Kingsway now goes forward to the BCO National Awards on 6 October 2026 at Grosvenor House in London — competing against regional winners from across the UK for the top national prizes.

The building sits at the heart of a Kingsway that looks very different to the one that hosted Oceana, Top Rank and a succession of entertainment venues across the decades — and the council’s bet that offices, not nightclubs, are the future of the street appears to be paying off.

Work is already under way on a further major office development at the former St David’s Shopping Centre site nearby, with Swansea’s transformation as a modern commercial centre gathering pace on multiple fronts simultaneously.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

SWANSEA: Global workspace giant IWG takes huge 20,000 sq ft at booming Kingsway development
The latest big name to sign up at 71/72 Kingsway — and what it means for the city centre.

SWANSEA: Debenhams building sold to Quadrant owners as three major new tenants set to be named ‘within days’
More good news for Swansea city centre as the former Debenhams finds a new owner and new purpose.

All our 71/72 Kingsway coverage
From demolition of the old Oceana site to award-winning office block — the full story.

#7172Kingsway #award #BCO #BritishCouncilForOfficesSouthOfEnglandSouthWalesAwards #CommercialWorkplaceAward #InnovationAward #Kingsway #officeDevelopment #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

SWANSEA: Don’t ignore that NCP parking fine — and here’s what the May 20 meeting means for Kingsway, Orchard Street and City Gates

A lot of people are asking the same question right now: if NCP has gone bust, do I still have to pay that fine? The short answer is yes — and ignoring it could land you in trouble.

Car leasing experts at LeaseLoco are warning drivers not to assume that NCP going into administration wipes the slate clean. The company still legally exists — it’s just being run by accountancy firm PwC, who were brought in as administrators back in March. And as far as they’re concerned, it’s business as usual.

John Wilmot, CEO of LeaseLoco, said: “A lot of people are confused about where this leaves them and we’re worried the news is going to catch some drivers out. If you are using an NCP car park, remember to continue to pay as normal — otherwise you can still face a fine.”

He added: “Those with existing fines should also treat these as they usually would by either appealing or paying it off. NCP has gone into administration which means it still exists — this doesn’t make fines void all of a sudden.”

The NCP Orchard Street Car Park in Swansea city centre. Picture: Swansea Bay News

PwC confirmed this week that “all other car parks remain open to customers” — so if you’re parking in one of Swansea’s three NCP car parks, you still need to pay.

So why did NCP collapse in the first place? The company — which manages 340 car parks and employs around 681 people nationally — never really recovered from the pandemic. Fewer people commuting into city centres meant lower occupancy, and the company was stuck in long-term leases it couldn’t get out of. Eventually it ran out of cash, and the directors called in the administrators.

Since then, PwC has been closing the sites it can’t make work. Twenty car parks shut on 27 March, including sites in Birmingham, Bristol, London and Leicester. Four more followed on 16 April in Belfast, Coventry, Leicester and Sheffield. Five more closed on 30 April in Bradford, Chester, Kidderminster, Nottingham and Southampton.

That’s 29 closures in total — and not one of them is in Wales.

The NCP Kingsway Car Park in Swansea city centre. Picture: Swansea Bay NewsThe NCP Orchard Street Car Park viewed from the street. Picture: Swansea Bay News

When NCP entered administration in March, Swansea’s three city centre car parks — Kingsway, Orchard Street and City Gates — were immediately put under a cloud of uncertainty. Together they provide a huge chunk of city centre parking, and their loss would be a serious blow for shoppers, workers and visitors.

Kingsway alone is one of the busiest car parks in the city centre — a short walk from the Quadrant, the market and the high street. Losing it, along with Orchard Street and City Gates, would leave a significant hole in Swansea’s parking provision at a time when the city centre is already fighting to attract footfall.

The good news is that all three have survived every round of cuts so far. But survival so far is not the same as safety — and the administrators have been clear that every site remains under ongoing review.

The big date is Wednesday 20 May, when NCP’s creditors meet to discuss the future of the business. A creditors meeting is where the people owed money — landlords, suppliers, lenders — get to hear what the administrators have found and what the options are. PwC has said it is exploring a potential sale of all or part of the company as one route forward.

If a buyer is found, some or all of the remaining car parks could continue under new ownership. If not, further closures are likely. Either way, May 20 should bring some clarity on which way the wind is blowing for Swansea.

Until then, the message from the experts is simple: carry on as normal. Pay for your parking. Pay your fines. Don’t assume the chaos means you can get away with it — because you can’t.

#administration #carPark #Kingsway #KingswayMultiStoreyCarPark #motoring #MSCP #NCP #OrchardStreet #OrchardStreetMultiStoreyCarPark #pwc #Swansea

RESTAURANT AWARDS: Swansea restaurants celebrate at Welsh Restaurant Awards 2026 as Greek Flavours crowned Mediterranean best

A string of restaurants from Swansea, Carmarthenshire and across south-west Wales have been recognised at the Welsh Restaurant Awards 2026, with Greek Flavours in Swansea crowned Mediterranean Restaurant of the Year.

The awards, organised by Oceanic Awards, were presented at a ceremony held on Monday 23 March at The Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff, celebrating the best of Wales’s restaurant scene across more than 25 categories.

Greek Flavours in Swansea took the top prize in the Mediterranean category, beating off competition from across Wales. The Swansea restaurant also had company in its category, with El Fuego in Swansea recognised for excellence in the same award.

Greek Flavours restaurant on Swansea’s Kingsway (Image: Urban Foundry)

Swansea featured heavily across the results. Adelina’s Bar and Kitchen in Swansea won the Indian Restaurant of the Year title, while Hiks was recognised for excellence in the Fish and Chips Restaurant of the Year category. Burger Freakz took a recognised for excellence nod in the Burger Restaurant of the Year category, and Bouchon De Rossi received an outstanding achievement award in the European Restaurant of the Year category.

The city also collected recognition in the buffet, Asian and pizza categories, with Zazah Buffet Swansea, Gigi Gao’s Favourite Authentic Chinese and Pizzeria Vesuvio all receiving recognised for excellence commendations. Bamboo Restaurant was similarly recognised in the Asian Fusion category, and Rasoi Waterfront picked up a recognised for excellence nod in the Curry Restaurant of the Year category.

Swansea also had its own dedicated category, with Turtle Bay named Best of Swansea. El Pescador Restaurant and Bar picked up an outstanding achievement award, and Altitude28 Restaurant and Sky Bar was recognised for excellence in the same category.

Carmarthenshire was also well represented. Ty Glo in Carmarthen received an outstanding achievement award in the Family Restaurant of the Year category, while Amanah’s Dining and Functions in Ammanford was recognised with an outstanding achievement award in the Indian Restaurant of the Year category. Riverside Cafe in Newcastle Emlyn picked up an outstanding achievement commendation in the Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurant of the Year category.

In Porthcawl, Beale’s Park Fish Restaurant received an outstanding achievement award in the Fish and Chips Restaurant of the Year category.

Yasmin Mahmood, CEO of Oceanic Awards, said the awards were an opportunity to showcase the very best of the Welsh restaurant sector. “These awards aim to provide a platform to those who have dedicated their career in providing us with delicious dishes across multiple cuisines,” she said. “We want to congratulate all of our winners on their incredible accomplishments.”

The full list of winners and nominees from the Swansea Bay area and beyond is below.

Mediterranean Restaurant of the Year — Greek Flavours, Swansea (Winner). Recognised for Excellence: El Fuego, Swansea.

Indian Restaurant of the Year — Adelina’s Bar and Kitchen, Swansea (Winner). Outstanding Achievement: Amanah’s Dining and Functions, Ammanford.

Best of Swansea — Turtle Bay (Winner). Outstanding Achievement: El Pescador Restaurant and Bar. Recognised for Excellence: Altitude28 Restaurant and Sky Bar.

Fish and Chips Restaurant of the Year — Outstanding Achievement: Beale’s Park Fish Restaurant, Porthcawl. Recognised for Excellence: Hiks, Swansea.

European Restaurant of the Year — Outstanding Achievement: Bouchon De Rossi, Swansea.

Burger Restaurant of the Year — Recognised for Excellence: Burger Freakz, Swansea.

Curry Restaurant of the Year — Recognised for Excellence: Rasoi Waterfront, Swansea.

Pizza Restaurant of the Year — Outstanding Achievement: Pizzeria Vesuvio, Swansea.

Asian Restaurant of the Year — Outstanding Achievement: Gigi Gao’s Favourite Authentic Chinese, Swansea.

Asian Fusion Restaurant of the Year — Recognised for Excellence: Bamboo Restaurant, Swansea.

Buffet Restaurant of the Year — Outstanding Achievement: Zazah Buffet Swansea.

Family Restaurant of the Year — Outstanding Achievement: Ty Glo, Carmarthen.

Vegetarian/Vegan Restaurant of the Year — Outstanding Achievement: Riverside Cafe, Newcastle Emlyn.

#AdelinaSBarAndKitchen #Altitude28Restaurant #BambooRestaurant #BouchonDeRossi #BurgerFreakz #ElFuegoRestaurant #ElPescador #foodDrink #foodAwards #GigiGaoSFavouriteAuthenticChinese #GreekFlavours #GreekRestaurant #Kingsway #OceanicAwards #PizzeriaVesuvio #RasoiWaterfront #restaurant #Swansea #SwanseaRestaurants #TurtleBay #WelshRestaurantAwards #ZazahBuffet

FLATS FUNDING BOOST: Welsh Government to pour millions into city centre flats plan at McDonald’s site and Kingsway block

Swansea is in line for a major regeneration boost after the Welsh Government confirmed funding for two high-profile developments right in the heart of the city.

The cash forms part of a £12.6 million Wales-wide package – but a significant chunk is heading straight to Swansea, targeting long-standing empty upper floors and underused buildings.

At the centre of the plans is 1 Oxford Street – the busy McDonald’s site opposite Castle Square, where empty floors above could finally be brought back to life.

Up to £4.9 million in grant funding alongside a £1 million loan has been earmarked to help transform the building, with proposals already in place to create new flats above the fast-food restaurant.

It’s a site we’ve previously reported on, where plans have been drawn up to tackle one of the city centre’s most prominent unused spaces and turn it into much-needed housing.

Just a short walk away, another key Kingsway building is also in line for change.

Potters Wheel and apartments above at 85-86 Kingsway

Phase two of the Potters Wheel development – covering 85–86 Kingsway at the junction with Dillwyn Street and St Helen’s Road – will receive up to £750,000 in grant funding alongside a £1 million loan.

The project builds on earlier work at the site, where apartments were created above the ground floor pub and a striking green wall installed as part of efforts to bring more nature into the city centre.

Now, housing association Beacon Cymru is set to push ahead with further apartments on the upper floors – continuing the shift towards city centre living.

The Welsh Government says the funding is about more than bricks and mortar.

Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government Jayne Bryant said:

“This funding is not just about infrastructure—it is about creating real, tangible change for the people who live and work in these areas.

“By revitalising town centres, supporting local businesses, and improving public spaces, we are helping to build places where communities can thrive both socially and economically.”

She added:

“We know that strong, vibrant high streets are the backbone of wider economic growth across Wales.”

The announcement was made during a visit to the Biophilic Living project at Mowbray Yard in Swansea City Centre – a scheme already showcasing how greener design and housing can reshape urban spaces.

The latest investment is part of the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, which has already pumped nearly £500 million into regeneration projects across Wales since 2020.

But for Swansea, the focus is clear – bringing empty buildings back into use and creating more homes in the city centre.

For years, upper floors above shops and businesses have sat vacant, even as demand for housing continues to rise.

Now, with millions committed to two flagship sites, there’s fresh hope that parts of the city centre that have long been overlooked could finally see new life.

And with both developments targeting highly visible locations, the changes won’t go unnoticed.

For Swansea shoppers grabbing a meal on Oxford Street or passing through Kingsway, the skyline above them could soon look very different.

#1OxfordStreet #8586Kingsway #BeaconCymru #BiophilicLiving #CastleSquare #Kingsway #MowbrayYard #OxfordStreet #PottersWheel #Swansea #SwanseaCityCentre #SwanseaMcDonalds #TransformingTowns #WelshGovernment

SWANSEA: Global workspace giant IWG takes huge 20,000 sq ft at booming Kingsway development

International Working Group (IWG) is fitting out nearly 20,000 square feet at the site, marking another step in the city’s ongoing regeneration efforts.

This move will see new shared offices, private rooms, and meeting areas open in the heart of Swansea.

The 71/72 Kingsway building, developed by Swansea Council and partly funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal, is already proving popular, with 80% of its office space now let.

Council estimates suggest that once fully occupied, the entire development could create up to 600 jobs and boost the city’s economy by £32.6 million each year.

IWG, which runs brands like Regus, is expanding its operations to meet what it calls “rising demand” for flexible working across South Wales.

Mark Dixon, CEO & Founder of IWG, said Swansea was an “important business hub” for their expansion plans.

Mr Dixon stated: “We are very pleased to work in partnership with Swansea Council to add workspace to the 71/72 Kingsway building.”

He claimed that flexible working improves employee work-life balance and boosts productivity.

Mr Dixon added: “Our workplace model is proven to increase productivity and allows for a business to scale up or down at significantly reduced costs while providing access to thousands of locations.”

Swansea Council Leader, Cllr Rob Stewart, welcomed IWG’s arrival, calling it a “strong vote of confidence” in the city.

Cllr Stewart said: “We’re delighted that IWG is now fitting out its space at 71/72 Kingsway, building on the momentum created by other tenants who are already operating from the development.”

He added that IWG’s presence “reflects the growing demand for high-quality, flexible workspaces.”

Mark Dixon (left), CEO & Founder of IWG, and Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, outside the striking 71/72 Kingsway development. (Image: Swansea Council)

The 71/72 Kingsway scheme has already attracted other businesses, including Tui, Amazon-owned Veeqo, Optical Express, sk:n, and Futures First.

This influx of companies is expected to increase footfall and support other businesses in the city centre, as part of wider regeneration projects.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Big tech boost as Amazon-owned Veeqo opens new Swansea HQ
How a major Kingsway office move is helping to reshape Swansea’s city centre economy.

Optical Express and sk:n sign up for major new Kingsway office scheme
New tenants underline the push to turn The Kingsway into a modern business district.

New city centre courtyard to honour late council officer Huw Mowbray
A new public space pays tribute to a key figure behind Swansea’s regeneration projects.

Major Swansea office scheme officially opens with further tenant announced
A flagship office development opens its doors as another business signs up to move in.

#7172Kingsway #Business #cityCentre #Economy #FlexibleWorking #InternationalWorkingGroup #IWG #jobs #Kingsway #officeDevelopment #Regus #Spaces #Swansea #SwanseaCityCentre #SwanseaCouncil

NCP enters administration putting key Swansea car parks at risk

National Car Parks (NCP), which operates around 340 car parks across the UK, has called in administrators from PwC after running out of cash.

The company employs more than 680 people nationwide and manages parking at key locations including city centres, hospitals, airports and transport hubs.

What it means right now

Despite the move, drivers are being told it’s business as usual — for now.

Administrators say all car parks remain open, staff are still in place, and there will be no immediate changes for customers.

But a full review of the business is now underway — and that could ultimately lead to closures or changes at some sites.

NCP Swansea Orchard Street car park, a major multi-storey facility serving Swansea city centre.
(Image: Google Maps)

Major Swansea sites under the spotlight

In Swansea, NCP operates several of the city centre’s best-known car parks — all of which are now part of the administration process.

These include Kingsway (328 spaces), Orchard Street (512 spaces), City Gates (251 spaces), Jockey Street (36 spaces), and a small additional site at Northampton Lane. A further NCP car park also operates in Neath on Orchard Street.

Together, these sites provide hundreds of spaces used daily by shoppers, commuters and visitors, making them a key part of the city’s infrastructure.

While no specific closures have been confirmed, administrators have made clear that every site will be assessed for viability.

NCP Swansea City Gates car park near the Vue cinema complex in Swansea city centre.
(Image: Google Maps)

A company with decades of history

National Car Parks is one of the UK’s oldest parking operators, with roots dating back to the 1930s as car ownership began to rise across Britain.

Originally formed to manage growing demand for city parking, the business expanded rapidly in the post-war years, becoming a familiar name in towns and cities across the country.

Over the decades, NCP grew into a dominant force in the sector, operating hundreds of sites and becoming synonymous with multi-storey car parks in urban centres.

However, like many traditional parking operators, it has struggled to adapt to changing travel habits in recent years — particularly the decline in daily commuting.

Why NCP has entered administration

According to PwC, the company has struggled for years following the pandemic.

Changes in working habits — particularly the shift to home working — have reduced demand for city centre parking, while long-term lease agreements have left the business locked into high costs.

In a statement, PwC said the company had insufficient cash to meet its financial obligations, forcing directors to place it into administration.

Zelf Hussain, joint administrator, said:

“NCP has faced a challenging trading environment over several years, with changing consumer behaviours impacting volumes, and a high fixed cost-base leading to trading losses.”

He added:

“All sites are open, staff remain in post, and trading continues as normal.”

Jobs and closures risk

Although staff remain employed for now, the future is uncertain.

Administrators are exploring options including selling all or part of the business, while also negotiating with landlords in a bid to cut costs.

However, they have warned that some locations may not be viable, meaning closures are a real possibility.

What happens next

For now, drivers across Swansea and Neath can continue to use NCP car parks as normal.

But with every site under review, the longer-term future of some locations remains unclear.

For city centre businesses already facing challenges, any loss of parking could have a knock-on effect — making this a story that’s likely to develop in the weeks ahead.

#administration #businessNews #carParks #CityGates #CityGatesMultiStoreyCarPark #featured #jobs #Kingsway #KingswayMultiStoreyCarPark #MSCP #NationalCarParks #Neath #OrchardStreet #OrchardStreetMultiStoreyCarPark #parking #pwc #SalubriousPlace #Swansea

Optical Express and sk:n sign up for major new Kingsway office scheme

Optical Express and partner brand sk:n have taken a ground‑floor unit at the new £32.6m office scheme, bringing private vision correction, cataract consultations and dermatology services into the heart of the city centre. Both say they can offer treatment within days or weeks of first contact.

Swansea Bay News first reported plans for the clinic last April.

New clinic promises rapid access to specialist care

Optical Express, the UK’s market leader in private vision correction surgery, will offer consultations for cataract surgery, presbyopia lens replacement and laser eye surgery. Partner brand sk:n will provide dermatology, aesthetic and laser treatments.

Dr Stephen Hannan, Clinical Services Director for Optical Express and sk:n, said:

“We are delighted to open our new clinic on the Kingsway in Swansea.

“This state‑of‑the‑art, environmentally conscious space provides the ideal setting for Optical Express and sk:n to deliver world‑class care to the local community.

“It reflects our unwavering commitment to exceptional patient experience, supported by the latest technology, modern facilities, and outstanding clinical teams.

“Vision correction surgery not only improves the sight of patients but also their quality of life. As our service delivery progresses, career opportunities will also develop for local people.”

Kingsway development now 80% let

The arrival of Optical Express and sk:n marks another milestone for the 104,000 sq ft Kingsway scheme, which is now 80% let. Staff from Tui, Amazon‑owned tech firm Veeqo, Futures First and building operator Savills are already based there, with flexible workspace provider IWG now fitting out its own space.

Once fully operational, the building will accommodate up to 600 workers and is expected to be worth £32.6m a year to Swansea’s economy.

Council says scheme is boosting footfall and business confidence

Swansea Council says the development is helping address a long‑standing shortage of high‑quality office space in the city, which had previously risked pushing businesses elsewhere.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said:

“There has been a shortage of high‑quality office accommodation in Swansea which meant there was a risk to retaining businesses in the city and attracting new businesses and jobs here.

“The 71/72 Kingsway scheme is aimed at helping tackle that challenge, so I’m delighted to welcome Optical Express and sk:n as the latest tenants for the scheme.

“Given challenges like online shopping, Swansea city centre also needs more footfall and spending to support our existing businesses and encourage more shops and other businesses to open there.

“Numbers of potential customers are key to businesses when they’re considering where to invest, so the 71/72 Kingsway scheme – alongside many others which are either complete, ongoing or planned – will help create those numbers.”

Green features and new public spaces

The development includes a rooftop terrace overlooking Swansea Bay, solar panels, heat‑recovery systems and a new pedestrian link between The Kingsway and Oxford Street.

Work has now begun on a new green courtyard forming part of that link. It will be named Mowbray Yard, in honour of the late Huw Mowbray, a respected Swansea Council officer whose work helped shape the modern city centre.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Big tech boost as Amazon‑owned Veeqo opens new Swansea HQ at 71/72 Kingsway
Amazon‑owned tech firm Veeqo becomes one of the flagship tenants at the new development.

Major Swansea office scheme officially opens with further tenant announced
Swansea’s newest office development opens its doors as more businesses sign up.

New city centre courtyard to honour late council officer Huw Mowbray
A new green courtyard at 71/72 Kingsway will be named Mowbray Yard.

First tenants announced for new Swansea office development
Early sign‑ups revealed for the landmark Kingsway scheme.

Optical and aesthetics clinic proposed for part of new city office development
Initial plans for an Optical Express and sk:n clinic at the Kingsway site.

#7172Kingsway #Business #Cataract #dermatologist #dermatology #Kingsway #officeDevelopment #OpticalExpress #skN #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #visionCorrection

Powys man jailed after New Year’s Day bottle attack in Swansea nightclub

Swansea Crown Court heard that 27‑year‑old Craig Cole, from Ystradgynlais, struck the man several times after seeing him speak to his former partner on the stairs of the Plan B nightclub off The Kingsway.

The victim suffered four wounds to the top of his head, one of which had to be glued shut. He later told the court he was struggling to come to terms with the attack and that the thought of how much worse it could have been “stays with me”.

Cole pleaded guilty to wounding with intent and was jailed for 30 months.

Judge says defendant acted out of “insecure, sexual jealousy”

Judge Paul Thomas KC said Cole had shown “an excess of insecure, sexual jealousy” and attacked the man “simply because he had the temerity to talk to your ex‑partner”. He told Cole he needed to “grow up” and understand that women are not his property.

The court heard the victim had been out with friends on December 31 before ending up in Plan B. After a brief exchange with Cole’s former partner, Cole appeared and a confrontation followed. Several women stepped between the two men, but Cole reached over them and hit the victim repeatedly with a vodka bottle he had taken from his pocket.

When a member of security intervened, Cole pushed him away and struck the victim again as he tried to walk off.

Victim taken to hospital after “bloody” assault

The attack was reported to police and the victim was taken to hospital, where medics treated four separate head wounds. He said he remembered little of the incident other than seeing a bottle coming towards him and then receiving first aid inside the club.

A week later, Cole handed himself in at Swansea Central police station but answered “no comment” to all questions.

Previous convictions and “10 seconds of madness”

The court heard Cole has six previous convictions for nine offences, including criminal damage and common assault. One earlier incident also involved a male and an ex‑partner, during which Cole threw a brick through a window and injured the man inside.

His barrister said the nightclub incident was “10 seconds of madness” fuelled by jealousy, alcohol and a sense of being “disrespected”. He said Cole had written a letter to the court expressing remorse and that a former employer had described him as having a strong work ethic.

Police say jealousy was the motive

PC Matthew McGowan said:

Craig Cole is a young man who was clearly full of immense jealousy regarding any attention shown to his ex‑partner.

That jealousy caused him to become violent. His actions were completely unacceptable and could have caused lasting damage to the victim.

There was no other alternative outcome than for Cole to go to prison.

Cole will serve up to half his 30‑month sentence in custody before being released on licence.

#assault #Kingsway #PlanBNightclub #SouthWalesPolice #Swansea #Ystradgynlais

Swansea couple sentenced after ‘disgraceful’ street assault

Olivia Lewis and her then-partner, Patrick McGinn, were sentenced at Swansea Crown Court after attacking their victim outside the NCP car park in The Kingsway at 4.25am on 10 February last year.

The court heard Lewis was seen pushing the man before McGinn took him to the ground and repeatedly punched him in the head. Lewis then joined in, continuously kicking the victim to the head before stamping on his groin multiple times.

The pair then simply walked away towards the Potter’s Wheel roundabout, leaving their victim on the floor. Police tracked them down using CCTV.

While on bail for the attack, McGinn launched another serious assault in May later in the year. After meeting a man in St Helen’s Road in the early hours at a drug-fueled flat in Matthew Street, Dyfatty, where McGinn delivered a series of blows to the victim’s head with an object during a disturbance.

The injured man fled, leaving a trail of blood behind him. A member of the public called the police after seeing the bleeding man on the street.

Lewis, 23, of Llanyrnewydd, Penclawdd, Gower, pleaded guilty to affray and has no previous convictions. McGinn, 35, formerly of Mount Pleasant, Gowerton, but now of Webb Place, Port Talbot, pleaded guilty to affray, possession of heroin, and unlawful wounding. He has 42 previous convictions for 90 offences.

James Hartson, defending Lewis, said her actions were “impulsive” and out of character, done in response to a grievance she believed had taken place.

He described the relationship between Lewis and McGinn as “a union centred around their sharing of drugs” and said McGinn had been a “completely malign influence” on his client.

Ieuan Rees, defending McGinn, acknowledged his client had a “bad record” but noted his last conviction for violence was in 2015, with most convictions being acquisitive in nature to sustain his drug habit. The Dyfatty assault happened shortly after McGinn’s father’s death, when he was in a bad place.

Addressing Lewis, Judge Huw Lewis said what she did should be to her eternal shame. He told her:

“You have come as close as close can be to going to prison. You can count yourself lucky.”

Lewis received a nine-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months with a one-quarter discount for her guilty plea. She must complete a rehabilitation course, a mental health treatment requirement, and 180 hours of unpaid work.

McGinn was sentenced to 13 months for affray (with a one-quarter discount) and 38 months for wounding (with a 10% discount for his plea entered on the day of trial), to run consecutively, making a total sentence of 51 months. He will serve up to half in custody before being released on licence.

[Lead image: South Wales Police]

#Affray #Kingsway #SouthWalesPolice #SwanseaCrownCourt

Drone video shows Swansea’s ‘living building’ rising above city skyline

Woolies reborn

Commissioned by Powell Dobson architects, the aerial video shows the former Woolworths site transformed into the Biophilic Living Biome, a development led by Hacer Developments in partnership with housing group Pobl.

The footage captures the adjoining 13‑storey tower climbing above the city centre. While the structure is visibly taking shape, the green planting and rooftop gardens promised as part of the scheme are yet to be installed.

A UK first

The project has been described as the UK’s first “living building,” designed to blend homes, workplaces and nature in the heart of Swansea. Once complete, it will accommodate up to 500 people through the jobs and apartments it creates.

Earlier this week, Swansea Bay News reported on new grant funding pledged to support the commercial elements of the development, part of wider investment in Welsh town and city centres.

Greenhouse in the sky

Due for completion in the first half of 2026, the scheme will feature a four‑storey urban greenhouse, rooftop gardens, wildflower borders and green spaces. Apartments managed by Pobl will sit alongside an education facility, retail units and around 32,000 square feet of commercial floor space.

The building will also incorporate a bio‑solar roof, ambient loop heating and sustainable drainage systems, powered by solar energy and an air source heat system.

Artist’s impression of the ‘Biophilic’ living building under construction between the Kingsway and Oxford Street in Swansea city centre.

Wider regeneration

The ‘living building’ is part of a wider programme worth more than £1bn that is reshaping Swansea city centre. Other projects include the nearby office scheme at 71/72 Kingsway, developed by Swansea Council and part‑funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal, which is already 80% let.

Funding

The Biophilic Living Biome is being funded by a mix of private sector investment, the Welsh Government’s Innovative Housing Programme, Pobl and the Development Bank of Wales.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Millions pledged to revive Welsh centres
Grant funding announced to support commercial elements of Swansea’s ‘living building’ and other town centre schemes.

City centre Biophilic Swansea scheme a UK first
Developers say the Oxford Street project will set a new benchmark for green regeneration.

City centre living building scheme set for late summer finish
Construction milestones revealed as the tower rises over Swansea’s skyline.

University expertise to help residents grow food on roof
Swansea University teams up with developers to support rooftop food production at the Biome.

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