Former Sancta Maria Hospital to be demolished under new plans for 42 affordable flats in Uplands

The proposals come from Beacon Cymru, the housing association formerly known as Coastal Housing, which wants to build 42 affordable homes on the site between Richmond Road and Ffynone Road.

Earlier plans to keep original buildings dropped

The site, which has been empty since the hospital moved to SA1 in 2021, includes two 19th-century villas that were later converted into a nursing home. Earlier design options explored keeping and converting the original buildings, but Beacon Cymru says those plans were dropped due to cost and layout issues.

Instead, the latest scheme would see all existing buildings demolished and replaced with five new blocks. The flats would be a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units, all for affordable rent.

Conservation area, steep site among key challenges

The site sits within the Ffynone & Uplands Conservation Area, and the design team says the new buildings will reflect the area’s character. The blocks are described as “pavilions in a landscape”, with features inspired by the original villas.

The plans also include new landscaping, sustainable drainage, and car parking. The site’s steep slope and proximity to listed buildings have shaped the layout and access points.

Public drop-in event on 16 October

A formal Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) is now open, run by Asbri Planning on behalf of Beacon Cymru. Residents have until 5 November to submit comments.

A public drop-in event will be held at St James Church Hall, Walter Road, Uplands on Wednesday 16 October from 4pm to 7pm. Full plans and consultation details are available on the Asbri Planning website.

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Swansea hospital staff celebrated for their expertise and dedication

Tracy Ace, Josh Davies and Ben Degay were named winners at Healthcare Management Trust’s (HMT) Growing Heroes Awards.

HMT manages Sancta Maria Hospital, as well as other health and social care facilities around the UK.

The awards had 10 categories including emerging leader, creatively collaborative, superb support and energetically enterprising. More than 140 nominations were made, and the winners were named at a special celebration event in Durham, attended by more than 100 members of staff.

Tracy Ace, Head of Clinical at Sancta Maria Hospital, was named one of the Emerging Leaders of the Year; Ben Degay, IPC lead and a Registered General Nurse, was named the winner of the Amazingly Accountable category and Josh Davies, a Facilities Operative, was named the winner of the Resolutely Resourceful category.

After winning the award Tracy said:

“It was wonderful to be recognised as an emerging leader for HMT and to be awarded this alongside my colleagues fills me with a great sense of pride.

“I have been fortunate to have leaders who have inspired me and pushed me to develop and grow so I understand how important it is to inspire others.”

Equally thrilled with the recognition Josh (pictured above) added:

“I am very grateful to have received an award. I was nervous when my name was called but hearing everyone cheer when I won made me feel at ease.”

Ben was recognised for his commitment to patient safety and driving new infection prevention measures across the hospital, he said:

“Accountability is at the heart of good infection control, and I am incredibly honoured to have been recognised for my efforts since undertaking my new role in 2024.

“This award is not just a personal achievement for me, but more importantly it is a reflection of the collective commitment and collaborative effort to improve patient care.”

Reflecting on the awards, Nichola Stefanou, CEO of HMT, said:

“As we begin our 40th year as a Trust, we are proud to honour the dedicated people across our sites who work tirelessly to improve patient care and our services. The Growing Heroes Awards shine a light on their passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment and we are immensely grateful for all they do.”

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