COPR BAY: Long-delayed car park to open within weeks — but four years on, its shops still stand empty

Councillors on a scrutiny panel were told this week that an opening date for the car park, behind the Tesco superstore off Oystermouth Road, would be announced shortly.

It brings an end in sight to one of the more frustrating chapters of Swansea’s recent regeneration.

A four-year wait

The car park is part of the council’s £135m Copr Bay scheme, which delivered the Swansea Arena, a block of flats, a coastal park and the landmark bridge over Oystermouth Road when it opened in March 2022.

The district has not been without parking in the meantime. The Copr Bay South car park, next to the Arena and beneath Mary Dilwyn Park, opened alongside the venue in 2022. It is the larger Copr Bay North multi-storey, on the other side of Oystermouth Road, that has been held up.

It was meant to follow soon after the rest of the scheme. But the original contractor, Buckingham Group, went into administration in 2023, leaving the half-finished structure in limbo.

Progress since then has been slow, with contractor Andrew Scott brought in to complete the work left unfinished.

Council leader Rob Stewart told the meeting that money held back within the original Copr Bay contract — set aside in an escrow account to cover the risk of exactly this kind of contractor failure — “remains sufficient” to cover the cost of finishing the job.

The council says it has also secured a £4.8m Welsh Government grant towards the car park and its retail units.

Scaffolding finally came off the building earlier this year, and the council now expects it to be finished next month.

Officers told the meeting that once the opening date is confirmed — expected “very, very shortly” — the council will move quickly to demolish the neighbouring St David’s multi-storey car park, which has remained in use throughout and sits right beside the new building, separated only by Cupid Way.

The ageing structure is to come down once Copr Bay North takes over — part of the wider regeneration of that site, which we will look at separately.

The shops that never came

Built into the car park are five retail units along Cupid Way — and their story has been a frustrating one.

When the units were first marketed, the council announced a line-up of mostly local food and drink traders, including Ammanford-based Coaltown Coffee, alongside FrozziYo Frozen Yoghurt and KoKoDoo Korean Fried Chicken, as well as Imperial Candy.

In the end, none took up their Cupid Way unit.

Coaltown Coffee did not open in the city centre, though it continues to trade at its sites in Ammanford and Pontarddulais.

FrozziYo instead opened on the Kingsway, while KoKoDoo Korean Fried Chicken opened on Wind Street.

Imperial Candy — a sister brand to Imperial Desserts on High Street, run by local businessman Ammar Alabtah — did not open.

Cupid Way itself carries a piece of local history: it is named after Cyril Cupid, a record-breaking Swansea sprinter of the 1930s.

The council’s regeneration strategic manager, Lee Richards, told the panel that marketing of the units had restarted now an opening date was in sight, and that there were already “two very strong interests” for two of them.

He said it was “quite a positive position”, with the council hopeful of securing tenants for the rest “quite quickly”.

What happens next

For now, the milestone residents have waited years for is the car park itself, with an opening date expected within weeks.

Whether the shop units below it finally come to life is the next test for a corner of the city centre that has promised much, but so far delivered slowly.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Scaffolding comes down on stalled Copr Bay car park
The half-finished multi-storey began to take shape again earlier this year after its contractor collapsed.

Opening date set for Swansea’s £135m Copr Bay district
The arena, coastal park and bridge over Oystermouth Road opened to the public in March 2022.

The traders lined up for Cupid Way
Coaltown Coffee was among the local food and drink names announced for the new units.

Food and drink chalets open at Copr Bay
FrozziYo and KoKoDoo were among the early arrivals on the Arena side of the bridge.

ST HELEN’S ROAD: Man arrested over knife attack as road closed near city’s YMCA

A man has been arrested after another man was injured in a knife attack on St Helen’s Road in Swansea.

South Wales Police said officers were called to the road in the Sandfields area at around 11.40am on Friday (19 June), following a report of a man with a knife attempting to attack another man.

St Helen’s Road was closed for a time between the Kingsway roundabout and Nicholl Street while emergency crews dealt with the incident, which happened outside the city’s YMCA.

A number of police and ambulance vehicles attended, and a cordon was put in place at the junction with Page Street. Officers, some in armed-response gear, could be seen at the scene.

A 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 wounding with intent, the force said. He remains in police custody.

Section 18 is one of the most serious assault charges, covering wounding or causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

A 38-year-old man was taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries.

Officers said the two men are known to each other, and the force is treating it as an isolated incident.

South Wales Police said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with what happened.

An investigation is under way, and the force said an increased police presence would remain in the area to reassure the community while enquiries continue.

Anyone who saw what happened, or who has dashcam or CCTV footage, is asked to contact South Wales Police on 101, quoting reference 2600192569.

A spokesperson from South Wales Police said: “Officers attended St Helen’s Road, Sandfields, Swansea at around 11.40am today (Friday June 19) following a report of a man with a knife attempting to attack another man.

“A 35-year-old man from Blaenymaes has been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 wounding with intent. He is currently in police custody.

“A 38-year-old man has been taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries.

“Both men are known to each other, and this is being considered an isolated incident. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.

“An investigation into this incident is under way. An increased police presence will be visible in the area for community reassurance whilst this investigation takes place.

“Any witnesses or those who may have dashcam or CCTV footage are asked to get in touch via 101, quoting 2600192569.”

SWANSEA: Ironman 70.3 road closures announced as countdown begins for major triathlon

The popular Ironman festival of swimming, cycling, and running returns to the area on Sunday, July 12. Race organisers confirmed this year’s event has been sold out for months, with thousands of competitors and families expected to travel from across the UK to stay in local hotels.

Swansea Council has issued an early reminder about temporary travel arrangements to ensure the safety of both the public and athletes. Organisers have confirmed that emergency services access will be maintained at all times during the event.

A series of key routes will experience temporary closures at various times throughout the Sunday. Council teams and race organisers have stated they will work to re-open roads as soon as the last competitors have safely passed.

Most disruptions are confined to the Sunday, according to the official route map, though a temporary closure will take effect on Saturday on East Burrows Road and Somerset Place near the swim start. The main cycle and run routes on Sunday will impact traffic flowing through the city centre, out towards Mumbles, and across parts of the Gower peninsula.

Council officials confirmed that every home and business located directly along the race route will receive a letter through their door detailing the exact travel impacts for their immediate neighbourhood. Clearly signposted diversion routes will be established by the local authority to guide drivers around the closed sections.

Essential access for carers is being explicitly facilitated by organisers. Carers or those who rely on them are asked by the race team to contact them at [email protected] before July 10 to arrange access passes.

The massive sporting event is estimated by council figures to be worth £4.5 million to the local economy, providing a major summer windfall for regional hospitality, hotels, and restaurants.

Council officials noted that this year’s road closure plans are largely identical to previous years, with small tweaks made based on direct feedback from local residents.

Tracey McNutley, head of cultural services, parks, and cleansing at Swansea Council, said the triathlon has grown into one of the most popular events of its kind in the country. She acknowledged that while the economic benefits are significant, the necessary closures require preparation from locals.

“However, we understand that road closures can cause disruption, and we’d like to thank residents and businesses in advance for their patience and cooperation,” she said.

“We strongly encourage everyone to check the road closure information ahead of the event and plan their travel accordingly to minimise any inconvenience,” she added.

The local authority stated that advanced warning signs will be installed along the affected stretches of road over the coming weeks. Visitors and residents looking to head into the city centre on the weekend of the race are being encouraged by the council to use public transport where possible and allow extra time for journeys.

A dedicated resident and business hot-line has been set up by organisers for anyone needing to check specific access requirements. Locals can call the team on 03330 11 66 00 or email [email protected] for direct assistance.

City Centre Traffic Diversions

Drivers heading toward the city centre face significant changes along Oystermouth Road on Sunday under the published council plans. The major A4067 artery axes westbound travel entirely from 6:00am until 5:00pm, though eastbound traffic toward the city centre will run normally all day.

Central waterfront routes are hit over both days, starting with Somerset Place which shuts from 7:00am to 6:00pm on Saturday and re-closes from 4:00am to 6:00pm on Sunday. Nearby Burrows Place and Adelaide Street face a full Sunday lockdown between 4:00am and 8:00pm.

The early-morning race setup will also halt traffic on Kings Road between the Sail Bridge and Y Fforwm building car park from 4:00am until 10:00am, according to council schedules. Meanwhile, the Swansea Bay Cycle Path along the Prom will be completely off-limits to cyclists from Lilliput Lane to Swansea to clear the run course, though pedestrian beach access remains open.

Mumbles and Bishopston Restrictions

Travel through Mumbles and Bishopston will be restricted early on Sunday morning as the cycling leg gets underway. Mumbles Road locks down southbound toward Village Lane from 6:00am to 10:00am, while northbound traffic heading back into Swansea remains open.

A blanket closure hits Newton and Bishopston shortly after, locking down Plunch Lane, Higher Lane, Southward Lane, Caswell Road, Pyle Road, Bishopston Road, and Pennard Road from 6:30am until 10:30am.

Gower Peninsula Road Closures

The cycling route then cuts across the Gower peninsula, triggering a series of morning closures on key rural roads. The B4436 from Murton Green to Vennaway Lane closes fully from 6:30am, opening westbound toward Pennard at 12:30pm before a full reopening at 1:45pm.

Vennaway Lane itself shuts completely from 6:30am to 12:30pm, allowing only northbound traffic for an hour before opening fully at 1:30pm. Further west, Pennard Road through Kittle will block all traffic between 7:15am and 10:45am.

The main A4118 Gower artery faces a multi-hour closure from Parkmill, Penmaen, and Nicholaston through to Reynoldston from 7:00am until 12:30pm. Drivers using the eastbound route through Cilibion and Reynoldston will find it fully closed from 7:00am until 1:00pm.

As the race moves north, Tirmynydd Road through Three Crosses and Penuel shuts southbound from 7:30am to 12:00pm. The B4271 at Llethryd will also be fully closed to all vehicles between 7:30am and 1:00pm.

The final legs of the route will alter return travel into the city later in the afternoon. South Gower Road (A4118) closes southbound from Upper Killay to Vennaway Lane from 7:00am to 1:30pm, while Clyne Common and Fairwood Road shut eastbound only from Fairwood Road to Murton Green between 8:30am and 1:45pm.

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SWANSEA: Inquest hears Ironman athlete died from heatstroke during swim
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SWANSEA: British sweep at Ironman 70.3 as Palmer and Matthews claim victory
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SWANSEA: Schoolchildren inspire athletes ahead of major triathlon race
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IRONMAN: Beyond limits as Swansea’s spirit shines in documentary film
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SCHOOL‑GATE STABBING: Swansea knifeman jailed after attack outside primary

Joseph Cullen, 26, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court after admitting unlawful wounding and possession of a knife. His co‑defendant Rebecca Stubbs, 28, of Edward Street, Carlisle — also known as Rebecca Nicholson — received a 12‑month community order after pleading guilty to assault by beating.

The attack outside St Joseph’s

The court heard that Cullen stabbed Jonathan Yeandle twice in the back with a large knife outside St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in the Brynmelyn area of Swansea on 6 December last year.

Mr Yeandle ran along Llangyfelach Street towards Dyfatty lights as Cullen chased him. Both Cullen and Stubbs were later arrested. Stubbs made serious allegations against the victim following her arrest.

Argument escalated into violence

Prosecutor Ieuan Rees said the incident began with a street argument between Stubbs and Mr Yeandle outside the school. The dispute reportedly centred on Mr Yeandle failing to retrieve stolen belongings for Stubbs.

As the victim attempted to walk away, Cullen appeared and launched the stabbing attack.

Case weakened when victim refused to give evidence

Both defendants were originally charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent — charges they denied. However, the prosecution case was significantly weakened when Mr Yeandle declined to give evidence at trial.

As a result, Cullen and Stubbs entered guilty pleas to lesser offences, which were accepted by the Crown.

Extensive criminal histories

Cullen has eight previous convictions for 66 offences, including assaults, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a bladed article.

Stubbs has 14 previous convictions for 28 offences, including 13 assaults — most of them against emergency workers.

Mitigation: ‘Appalling childhood experiences’

Andrew Evans, defending Cullen, said his client had endured “appalling childhood experiences” that led to drug misuse and offending. He said Cullen believed Mr Yeandle had “significantly wronged” Stubbs, someone he cared about, and reacted in a “wholly inappropriate” way.

Ryan Bowen, representing Stubbs, said her background was “difficult to imagine”, with illicit drug use beginning at the age of nine. He said she had been surrounded by a “negative peer group” during her time in Swansea but now had access to a stable home environment.

Judge: ‘Pure luck’ prevented murder

Sentencing Cullen, Judge Geraint Walters said the only thing separating him from a life sentence for murder was “pure luck”.

Cullen was jailed for 30 months for the crime, reduced by 10% for his guilty pleas. He will serve half in custody before being released on licence.

Stubbs, who had already spent seven months on remand, received a 12‑month community order with a rehabilitation requirement.

[Lead image: South Wales Police]

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Anyone in or near #Abertawe with nothing particular planned for today (Sun 14th June) ... come down to #Sanctuary at the National Waterfront Museum 😀

This link goes directly to the programme on the Waterfront Museum website https://museum.wales/swansea/whatson/12940/Sanctuary/

and the TL:DR version is #films #food #performance #poetry #music #books #art & #workshops plus the fab #MarinaMarket just next door!

#Swansea #RefugeeWeek #AntiFascist #CityOfSanctuary

Mae fy nghôr yn perfformio cyngherdd yn Llandeiloferwallt nos Lun!

Mynediad am ddim. Dewch yn llu!

#CôrTyTawe #cerddoriaeth #CerddoriaethYnFyw #Abertawe #Swansea #Music #Choir

SWANSEA: New card and gift shop to open in the Quadrant this Saturday — with a buy one get one free launch offer

A new card and gift shop will open its doors in Swansea city centre this weekend.

Cards Direct will open at 29 St David’s Arcade in the Quadrant Shopping Centre — next to Vision Express — on Saturday 13 June.

The store is the family-owned retailer’s fourth in Wales, and continues an expansion that has seen it grow to more than 90 stores across the UK selling greeting cards, gifts, gift packaging, balloons and partyware.

To mark the opening, shoppers will be offered buy one get one free on all single cards from Saturday until 28 June.

Jane Rice, company executive at Centurion, owners of the Quadrant Shopping Centre, said: “We are delighted to welcome Cards Direct to the Quadrant. This is a fantastic new addition to the centre and one that we know will be popular with our shoppers.”

She added: “Cards Direct offers a wide range of quality products at great value, complementing our existing retailers and further enhancing our convenience offer. Their arrival provides another reason for people to visit the Quadrant and reinforces our commitment to delivering a diverse and attractive shopping experience for Swansea and the wider region.”

Mark Watkins, retail operations manager at Cards Direct, said the firm was “excited” to be opening in Swansea city centre and becoming part of the Quadrant community.

“Swansea is a vibrant and welcoming city, and we are particularly pleased to be opening at such an exciting time, with the ongoing developments across the city making it an even more attractive destination for visitors to enjoy,” he said.

“We look forward to welcoming customers through our doors and helping them celebrate life’s special moments with our great range of cards, gifts, balloons and partyware.”

The opening is the latest in a string of arrivals since Swansea-based Centurion bought the Quadrant — with Holland & Barrett unveiling a flagship store and Welsh jewellery brand Clogau moving to a new, larger unit under the group’s ownership.

But the biggest question still hangs over the former Debenhams store — Swansea Bay News revealed last month the tenants tipped to fill the former department store as Centurion’s big reveal nears.

The city centre’s retail mix has continued to shift in recent weeks, with the firm behind the former WHSmith store’s closure plans set to buy Danish chain Flying Tiger — with potential implications for both Swansea and Carmarthen.

It comes amid wider regeneration across the city centre, with the transformation of Castle Square under way a short walk from the Quadrant’s doors.

The Quadrant’s newest store joins a tenant line-up Centurion has been steadily rebuilding since taking ownership — with Saturday’s launch offer giving shoppers the first reason to call in.

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Storm cloud over Swansea Bay

#Photography #Swansea #Cymru #Weather

SWANSEA: Queen legend Roger Taylor picks city arena to close his only UK tour of 2026

Queen legend Roger Taylor is coming to Swansea — and he’s picked the city to close his only UK tour of 2026.

The drummer, songwriter and singer will end his six-date autumn tour at the Swansea Building Society Arena on Tuesday 29 September, in his only Welsh show of the year.

The tour celebrates new album Violence Insane in a Beautiful World, released on 18 September on Columbia — his seventh solo record, and his first since 2021’s top-three album Outsider.

Before the Swansea finale, the tour visits Newcastle, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Manchester and London’s Roundhouse, where Taylor performed as a guest of Foo Fighters in 2011.

He will be joined on stage by his touring band, featuring keyboardist Spike Edney, supporting drummer Tyler Warren, multi-instrumentalist Tina Keys, bassist Neil Fairclough and guitarist Christian Mendoza.

The 3,500-capacity Copr Bay venue has pulled in a string of big names since opening in 2022, and was closing in on a million visitors at the end of last year.

The album announcement comes with a new single out today — Come On Summer (It’s Party Time) — featuring the Ndlovu Youth Choir from Limpopo, South Africa.

The choir first found global fame with a Zulu-language version of Bohemian Rhapsody, and feature on three of the new album’s tracks.

“They did the most incredible cover version of Bohemian Rhapsody, and it’s fabulous,” Taylor said. “We suddenly had the bright idea of asking them to sing on some of the tracks, which they did, and I think it’s transformed those songs.”

The 76-year-old said the album reflects on the violence and insanity of the modern world — but insists its tone is a hopeful one.

“It’s a beautiful world, you know,” he said. “And kindness is very important, I think, it seems to be forgotten quite a lot. So, that is basically the sort of underlying theme.”

Taylor wrote, produced, sang and performed almost everything on the album himself — the exception being a cover of John Lennon’s Jealous Guy, which he calls “one of the greatest ballads ever written”.

With Queen, Taylor has sold more than 300 million albums, writing hits including Radio Ga Ga, A Kind of Magic and These Are the Days of Our Lives. He was awarded an OBE for services to music in 2020.

On returning to the road, he was typically modest: “I mean, do people want to see me live? I would hope some would. I thought I’d put a toe in the water.”

Fans who pre-order the album from the official store between 11am today and 11.59pm on Saturday 13 June will get exclusive access to the ticket pre-sale, with codes emailed out on Sunday 14 June.

The pre-sale runs from 10am on Monday 15 June until 11.59pm on Tuesday 16 June, before tickets go on general sale at 10am on Wednesday 17 June.

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SWANSEA: City takes starring role as S4C and ITV team up for first time on new drama Santa Maria

A new television drama being filmed in and around Swansea will put the city on screens across the UK — in the first ever drama co-production between S4C and ITV.

Santa Maria, a six-part dark comedy-drama, will premiere in Welsh on S4C in early 2027 before being broadcast in English on ITV later the same year.

The series follows two families from very different sides of the tracks, whose lives become slowly entangled through the actions of Maria — a saintly but strung-out cleaner.

It was created and written by multi-award-winning screenwriter Siwan Jones, whose previous work includes Con Passionate, Alys and 35 Diwrnod.

Directing is Erin Richards, whose credits include Y Golau/The Light in the Hall: Still Waters and the American series Gotham.

Producers have described Swansea as an integral part of the story, with filming taking place in and around the city — and Mumbles also set for a starring role.

Cameras have been quietly rolling for almost a month — the production’s first slate, released with the announcement, is dated 11 May and marks scene one, take one of the shoot.

The all-star cast is packed with familiar Welsh television faces, including Y Gwyll/Hinterland stars Siân Reese-Williams and Richard Harrington, Hannah Daniel of Cleddau/The One That Got Away, Leisa Gwenllian, and Oliver John.

They are joined by Matthew Gravelle, who starred in the Port Talbot-set Steeltown Murders, and Swansea-born Melanie Walters — best known as Gwen in Gavin & Stacey.

The series is being made by Welsh independent production company Triongl, with support from Creative Wales, equity funding from S4C’s commercial content fund, and international distribution handled by Sphere Abacus.

S4C’s Head of Film and Drama, Gwenllian Gravelle, who commissioned the series, said it would capture the contrasts of life in the city.

“Santa Maria explores the striking contrasts of life in Swansea, where two very different worlds exist side by side,” she said.

“Set against the city and Mumbles’ iconic blue skies, this deliciously dark comedy-drama captures Swansea in all its diversity; vibrant, complex and unmistakably real.”

Darren Nartey, Head of Content Acquisitions at ITV, said the broadcaster was “very proud to be bringing this fascinating, quintessentially Welsh story to our audiences across ITV”.

Triongl’s executive producers Nora Ostler Spiteri, Alexander Spiteri and Gethin Scourfield said they had assembled a cast and crew to make a show that was “warm, funny and vibrant — a far cry from our usual Welsh noir”.

The Welsh Government said Creative Wales’ investment had helped create jobs and training opportunities in the Welsh screen sector.

Plaid Cymru’s Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price, said: “As a new government we’re committed to strengthening the Welsh creative sectors. We welcome the fact Creative Wales’ investment in this production has helped create jobs for our talented workforce, valuable experience for trainees, and is expected to deliver around £5.7m in economic return for Wales.”

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