Four arrested after suspected racially aggravated attack in Swansea city centre

Police were called to Princess Way at around 1.30am today (Thursday, January 15) following reports of a disturbance in the busy city centre street.

Officers say they found a 20‑year‑old man from Wolverhampton injured at the scene. He was taken to hospital, where his condition is still being assessed.

Four men — aged 42, 38, 27 and 25 — have been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated attack. They include men from Runcorn and Brackla, with two others whose home areas have not yet been confirmed.

A police cordon remains in place while detectives continue their enquiries.

A spokesperson for South Wales Police said:

“Officers were called to a report of a disturbance on Princess Way, Swansea city centre at around 1:30am today (Thursday January 15).

“A 20-year-old man from Wolverhampton has been taken to hospital where his condition is currently being assessed.

“Four men – a 42-year-old man from Runcorn, Cheshire, a 27-year-old man from Brackla, Bridgend, a 38-year-old man and a 25-year-old man – have been arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated GBH offence.

“An investigation into this incident is ongoing. A scene is currently being held.

“Any witnesses should get in touch on 101, quoting occurrence number 2600014215.”

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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.”

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

Council promises “dazzling” Fire and Ice Festival in Swansea city centre

Ice and fire promised for city streets

According to Swansea Council, visitors will be able to follow a trail of ice sculptures, step inside a giant snow globe on Portland Street, and try interactive ice carving. Fire and ice shows are scheduled for St David’s Place, with fire performers lighting up Oxford Street. Families are told to expect roaming snowmen and characters from Disney’s Frozen, while the “Caroler’s Cabin” will host choirs and musicians.

Ice trail clues and performance timings released

A promotional map published by Swansea Council shows nine ice sculptures will be hidden across the city centre, each linked to a festive clue. Locations include Princess Way, Oxford Street, the Quadrant, Wind Street, and Castle Square.

Interactive ice carving is scheduled for Portland Street between 11:30am and 3:30pm, while a giant snow globe will be open from 10am to 5pm.

Fire and Ice shows are planned for St David’s Place at 1:30pm, 3pm and 4:30pm, with additional fire performances on Oxford Street at 12pm, 2pm and 3:30pm.

Trail maps will be available at Swansea Market, Costa Coffee branches, and the new central library at Y Storfa.

Music line‑up released by organisers

The council has published a full programme of performers, ranging from community choirs to swing bands, with sets scheduled across Saturday and Sunday. Maps for the ice trail will be available at Swansea Market, Costa Coffee branches on Whitewalls and Oxford Street, and the new central library at the Y Storfa development.

Festival part of wider Christmas programme

Council leader Rob Stewart said the festival was part of efforts to make this “the best Swansea Christmas ever,” following the return of the city’s Christmas Parade. Other attractions promoted by the council include the Christmas Market on Oxford Street and Portland Street until December 22, Mistletoe and Markets on December 13–14, and Waterfront Winterland at Museum Park until January 4.

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Together at Christmas returns to Brangwyn Hall
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Browse all Christmas coverage
Explore our full archive of festive stories, events and updates from across Swansea Bay.

#castleSquare #christmas #fireAndIceShows #frozen #iceCarving #iceSculpting #iceSculpture #oxfordStreet #portlandStreet #princessWay #quadrantShoppingCentre #stDavidsPlace #swansea #swanseaCouncil #swanseaQuadrant #windStreet

Y Storfa opens in Swansea city centre as council services move from Civic

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.”

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.”

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

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

New route announced for Swansea Christmas Parade

The parade begins at 5pm at the Guildhall, where Santa will illuminate the building with a red glow before a fireworks display signals the start of the evening.

Parade route through the city

From the Guildhall, the parade will travel down St Helen’s Road, along the Kingsway, College Street, Castle Street and Caer Street, before finishing on Princess Way.

More than 40 community groups, colourful floats and beloved characters from fairytales and comic books – including Cinderella and Rapunzel – will join the procession. Santa and Mrs Claus will wave from their magical sleigh as the parade makes its way through the city.

Entertainment and lights switch‑on

Live entertainment will take place on two stages: one at the Guildhall and the traditional stage outside the Dragon Hotel, where a new Christmas tree will stand. Santa will ceremoniously switch on Swansea’s Christmas lights before another fireworks display lights up the night sky.

Professional entertainers, fairytale characters and superheroes will be on hand to keep children and adults entertained throughout the evening.

Council leader welcomes new route

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said:

“The Swansea Christmas Parade is one of the city’s most cherished events – a chance for our communities to come together and celebrate the start of the festive season.

This year’s new route brings exciting opportunities to experience the magic from fresh perspectives and it promises to be a truly unforgettable evening.”

He added that the parade is the perfect opportunity to start Christmas celebrations, alongside visits to Waterfront Winterland with its ice rink and alpine bar, and the Victorian Christmas Market offering artisan gifts and festive treats.

Cllr Stewart said the parade rounds off another strong year of council‑delivered events, including the Wales Airshow, IRONMAN, Swansea Arts Weekend and Croeso.

#CaerStreet #CastleStreet #ChristmasLightSwitchOn #ChristmasLights #ChristmasParade #CollegeStreet #FatherChristmas #Guildhall #Kingsway #PrincessWay #Santa #SantaClaus #StHelensRoad #Swansea #SwanseaChristmasParade #SwanseaCouncil

Fly-through video reveals first look at Swansea’s new Y Storfa community hub

A major regeneration project is taking shape in the heart of Swansea city centre, with the former BHS store on Oxford Street being transformed into Y Storfa, a modern community services hub.

The scheme, led by Swansea Council with Kier Group as main contractor, will bring together a wide range of facilities under one roof. Alongside a new central library, Y Storfa will also host the council’s contact centre, Housing Options, revenues and benefits, lifelong learning, and the West Glamorgan Archive Service.

Non-council tenants will include Careers Wales, Citizens Advice, and Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library, making the building a one‑stop destination for learning, advice and community support.

First look inside

The newly released CGI fly-through highlights the building’s striking exterior and welcoming internal spaces. Viewers are given a first glimpse of the main reception, children’s library, open‑plan library, contact centre, meeting rooms, and a modern conference and events space.

The design also includes accessible lifts to every floor, ensuring the hub is fully inclusive.

Earlier this year, Swansea Bay News published exclusive photos showing the progress of the build (Inside Y Storfa), while a previous update charted how the scheme was taking shape on site (Y Storfa community hub takes shape).

Library move from Civic Centre

To prepare for the relocation, Swansea’s central library at the Civic Centre will close from Monday 20 October. Staff will use the closure period to transfer collections and set up the new facility.

As reported by Swansea Bay News last month (Central Library preparing for move), the move marks the end of an era for the Civic Centre site, which is earmarked for future redevelopment.

“A place where people can come together”

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said the project is part of the city’s wider £1bn regeneration programme.

“Swansea city centre needs more footfall to support its existing traders and help attract new shops and other businesses in future.

“Y Storfa will 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. By bringing services like the library, archives, Housing Options and others together under one roof, it’ll make life easier for many residents and create opportunities for people of all ages.”

Linked to wider regeneration

The development is located close to car parks, bus stops and cycle routes, making it easily accessible. An official opening date will be announced soon.

Cllr Stewart added that the move will also pave the way for the redevelopment of the Civic Centre site on the waterfront, with regeneration partners Urban Splash currently working on proposals.

Funding for Y Storfa includes support from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.

Related articles

• Swansea Central Library preparing for move to Y Storfa hub
• Y Storfa community hub takes shape in Swansea city centre
• Inside Y Storfa: Photos show progress at community hub

#archives #BHS #callCentre #CareersWales #CentralLibrary #CentralLibraryMove #CentralLibraryRelocation #CitizensAdvice #CitizensAdviceCymru #CivicCentre #CllrRobStewart #ContactCentre #featured #HousingOptions #KierGroup #OxfordStreet #PrincessWay #regeneration #SouthWalesMinersMuseum #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #TransformingTowns #WestGlamorganArchiveService #YStorfa

Swansea Central Library preparing for move to Y Storfa hub

Swansea’s Central Library is set to leave its long‑time home at the Civic Centre next month, with the council confirming the building will close from Monday 20 October ahead of a move to Y Storfa, the new community services hub being developed in the former BHS unit on Oxford Street.

The authority says more than 60,000 books, along with maps, microfilm reels and other resources, will be packed up and transferred to the new site. The library at Y Storfa is due to open later this year, although the exact date has not yet been announced.

Preparing for the move

During the transition, library members will still be able to use Swansea’s 16 other community libraries. Borrowed items can be returned at those branches, while online services such as eBooks, audiobooks and digital magazines will remain available around the clock.

Events including rhyme time, reading groups and digital support sessions will also continue at community libraries. Memberships will automatically transfer to the new Central Library, and loan periods will be extended to support customers during the closure.

📚 What is Y Storfa?

A new community hub:
Y Storfa is being developed in the former BHS unit on Oxford Street as a multi‑purpose community services hub.

What it offers:
The council says it will promote community cohesion, digital inclusion, wellbeing and opportunities for learning and growth across Swansea’s diverse communities.

Services under one roof:
Confirmed tenants include Swansea’s new Central Library, the West Glamorgan Archive Service, the council’s customer services centre, Housing Options, revenue and benefits, Careers Wales and Citizens Advice.

Flexible spaces:
The hub will also provide agile accommodation for third sector groups, public bodies and private companies that share its community ethos, with collaborative office space designed to support local initiatives.

Part of regeneration:
Y Storfa is described as a flagship project in Swansea’s £1bn city centre regeneration, supported by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.

A hub at the heart of the city

Y Storfa is being described by the council as a flagship part of its £1bn city centre regeneration programme. The hub will bring together a wide range of services under one roof, including the council’s contact centre, Housing Options, lifelong learning and the West Glamorgan Archive Service.

Other organisations due to be based there include Careers Wales, Citizens Advice and Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library. The location, in the heart of Oxford Street, is close to bus routes, cycle paths, taxi ranks and car parks.

Cllr Elliott King, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, said:

“Y Storfa will give residents a modern, welcoming Central Library at the heart of the city centre, making it easier than ever to access books, digital resources, and a range of services all in one place.

“This move is a key part of our wider regeneration plans that are transforming Swansea for the future.”

Looking ahead

Council Leader Cllr Rob Stewart said the relocation was about more than just moving books and services.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said:

“It’s about creating a central hub where people can learn, access support, and come together as a community. It’ll also combine with many other schemes to create the footfall the city centre needs to attract more shops and other businesses.

He added that the move would also help generate footfall for the city centre, supporting shops and businesses, while freeing up the Civic Centre site for redevelopment.

“Swansea’s regeneration is moving forward at pace, and Y Storfa is a flagship part of that journey.” Cllr Stewart added.

Key details

• Civic Centre library closes: Monday 20 October
• New Central Library at Y Storfa: Opening later this year (date TBC)
• Other libraries: 16 community branches remain open as normal
• Online services: eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines available 24/7
• Updates: Swansea Council website and Swansea Libraries social media

About Y Storfa

The Y Storfa project is supported by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme and is one of several schemes forming part of Swansea’s wider regeneration strategy.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Y Storfa community hub takes shape in Swansea city centre
Progress continues at the former BHS site, with new features emerging as part of the £1bn regeneration programme.

New images reveal greener, more vibrant future for Swansea’s Castle Square
Plans show more greenery, new pavilions and public spaces designed to revitalise the heart of the city.

Plans revealed for new flats at city centre McDonald’s site
Developers outline proposals for 29 apartments above the fast‑food restaurant on Oxford Street.

New images show plans for transformed historic Castle Cinema
Fresh proposals would see the Grade II listed building redeveloped with apartments, retail and restaurant space.

#archives #BHS #books #CareersWales #CentralLibrary #CentralLibraryMove #CentralLibraryRelocation #CitizensAdvice #CivicCentre #CllrElliottKing #CllrRobStewart #Library #maps #microfilm #OxfordStreet #PrincessWay #SouthWalesMinersMuseum #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaLibraries #WestGlamorganArchiveService #YStorfa

New coworking hub opens in Princess Quarter as regeneration reshapes Swansea city centre

Collective by Kartay launches in Princess Way

Award-winning developer Kartay has officially launched Collective by Kartay, a premium serviced office, coworking and meeting space within the redeveloped Princess Quarter on Princess Way.

The £multi-million refurbishment has transformed the 15,000 sq ft building into a landmark commercial hub, with 5,000 sq ft of flexible workspace, meeting rooms with panoramic views, and a rooftop terrace. It is the first Grade A office and meeting space of its kind in Swansea, offering facilities more commonly associated with London developments.

Ian Morgan, Managing Director at Kartay, said: “We set out to deliver more than just workspaces. We wanted to create a business destination that changes the way people perceive Swansea.”

Part of a wider regeneration story

The opening comes as the area around Castle Square undergoes major transformation. Directly opposite Princess Quarter, the former BHS store is being redeveloped into ‘Y Storfa’, which will house Swansea’s new main library and archives. Meanwhile, the McDonald’s building on Oxford Street — also owned by Kartay — is set for a major renovation, with plans to create high-quality residential apartments above the retail unit.

Kartay is also behind other prominent city centre projects, including Princess House, a 10-storey office tower, and retail-to-residential redevelopments on Oxford Street. The company says its investments are helping to reshape Swansea into a modern, mixed-use city centre that supports both business and community life.

Boost for business and investment

The launch of Collective by Kartay is being positioned as a turning point for Swansea’s commercial offer, providing high-specification space for entrepreneurs, small teams and remote professionals. With concierge-style support, flexible terms and luxury amenities, the development aims to attract both local businesses and inward investment.

The project builds on Swansea’s wider regeneration programme, which includes the £135m Copr Bay development, the ongoing Castle Square Gardens revamp, and new cultural and residential schemes across the city.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

New images reveal greener, more vibrant future for Swansea’s Castle Square
Swansea Council’s plans show more greenery, new pavilions, and a large outdoor screen as part of the city centre revamp.

Plans revealed for new flats at city centre McDonald’s site
Developer Kartay outlines proposals to create 29 new apartments above the Oxford Street restaurant.

Y Storfa community hub takes shape in Swansea city centre
The former BHS store is being transformed into a flagship library and public services hub.

New images show plans for transformed historic Castle Cinema
Fresh proposals reveal how the landmark building could be redeveloped as part of the regeneration programme.

#CastleSquare #CollectiveByKartay #coworking #flexibleWorkspace #GradeAOfficeSpace #KartayHoldings #office #officeDevelopment #OxfordStreet #premiumMeetingRooms #PrincessHouse #PrincessQuarter #PrincessWay #servicedOffices #Swansea #SwanseaCityCentre