£20m boost for Swansea Civic Centre days after MP’s call for action

In an opinion piece published by Swansea Bay News on Sunday, Mr Bell said reviving the Civic Centre should be the city’s “next big regeneration step” — and urged momentum behind the proposals.

Now, that push appears to have paid off.

The funding follows months of campaigning by the MP and is being described as a key step towards turning recently unveiled plans for the Civic Centre into reality — although it will still need to go through further checks, including due diligence and approval of a final business case, before it is formally released.

Those plans — drawn up with Swansea Council and development partners Urban Splash — would see the site transformed into a mixed-use destination, featuring cafes, bars, shops, workspaces and leisure space, alongside around 140 apartments and 15 commercial units.

Headline attractions include proposals for a saltwater lido and a new aquarium, with the latter designed as a “next generation” visitor experience combining live marine exhibits with cutting-edge digital technology.

The attraction is also expected to work closely with Swansea University’s marine experts, with a strong focus on education and conservation.

Swansea Bay News has charted the rapid progress of the scheme in recent weeks, from the release of the first artist impressions to cabinet backing and strong public interest during consultation.

But until now, a central question has remained: how the transformation would actually be funded.

The £20 million investment from the UK Government begins to answer that — and is expected to help unlock the next phase of the project as it moves beyond consultation, with a planning application anticipated later this year.

For decades, the Civic Centre has served as a base for council services, but with departments now relocating — including to the new Y Storfa hub — attention has quickly turned to the future of the prominent seafront complex.

Torsten Bell, MP for Swansea West said securing “major investment” in what he describes as an “iconic Swansea landmark” has been a “personal priority”.

Mr Bell said: “With £20m funding from the UK Labour Government, this is another big step forward for the city.

“With its prime spot overlooking the splendid curve of our beach, the building is crying out for a new lease of life. And that is exactly what we are going to give it, as we keep investing in Swansea’s future, not just remembering its past.

“Great progress has been made with the opening of Y Storfa and regeneration of the Palace Theatre. Works to improve Castle Gardens and open new offices from the Kingsway to St David’s are also underway. The momentum is real – it’s vital we harness it.”

He added that the Civic Centre funding is part of a wider package of UK Government investment in Swansea, including a further £20 million through the Pride in Place scheme, as well as commitments to rail improvements and the proposed Swansea Bay Metro.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said the funding represented a major vote of confidence in the city’s wider regeneration plans.

He said: “We want to see the Civic Centre transformed into a high-quality landmark destination for living, working and enjoying, with new homes, independent businesses and leisure spaces that benefit local people while attracting more visitors to Swansea.”

He added that the waterfront site offered “one of the most spectacular locations in the UK” and said the investment would help the project move forward more quickly.

Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, said the funding would help unlock the full potential of the site.

She said: “This investment will help deliver ambitious plans for the Civic Centre and transform this part of the city, making the most of its spectacular location and strengthening Swansea as a destination for visitors.”

The redevelopment also forms part of a broader wave of regeneration across the city, linking the waterfront site with ongoing changes in the city centre and beyond.

If delivered, the scheme could provide a significant boost to the local economy, with estimates suggesting it could generate around £17 million a year and support more than 300 jobs across hospitality, retail, leisure and building management, alongside additional roles linked to the proposed aquarium.

While key details — including timelines for construction and how the scheme will be delivered — are still to be confirmed, a planning application is expected later this year as proposals continue to be developed.

The funding itself remains subject to final approvals, but the announcement marks the clearest sign yet that the recently revealed plans are now moving from ambition towards delivery.

And coming just days after the issue was put firmly back in the spotlight, it suggests momentum around Swansea’s Civic Centre is building fast.

Opinion | Torsten Bell MP: Reviving Swansea’s Civic Centre must be the city’s next big regeneration step

Torsten Bell is the Labour MP for Swansea West. The views expressed in this article are his own.

As progress revitalising Swansea gathers pace, the exciting plans to give the Civic Centre a new lease of life must now be turned into action. The key to doing so is unlocking the cash required – and it’s a personal priority for me as Swansea West MP that we secure it.   

Swansea has been capturing imaginations long before the descriptions of Dylan Thomas made us famous for our ugly-lovely sprawl. And over the past few years, major progress has been made breathing new life a city steeped in industrial and cultural heritage.   

Historic landmarks like the Palace Theatre and Albert Hall have been restored, and new landmarks like the Arena and Y Storfa have joined them. Work on Castle Gardens is underway, and a £20 million investment by the UK Government will see communities north of the train station – home to ten thousand and passed through by thousands more each day – revitalised.    

Redeveloping the Civic Centre is clearly the next major task, now that services like the library have been moved to Y Storfa. With its prime spot overlooking the splendid curve of our beach, the building is crying out for a new lease of life.   

That’s more than just wishful thinking. I’ve been working with Swansea Council and its development partner Urban Splash on the vision for the Civic Centre’s renewal. Exciting new artist impressions illustrate the potential if plans for 600 new homes – along with new cafes, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities – are realised.   

One key barrier remains: securing the funding to turn these plans into action. As Swansea West’s MP, this challenge is a personal priority for me. Doubling down on efforts to regenerate Swansea, that the Labour council has done a great job of driving, has never been more important.   

If we want things to keep moving in the right direction, now is the time to act. Giving the Civic Centre a new lease of life would not just protect an important part of our past. It would help build the Swansea of the future. That is a prize worth fighting for and I’ll be doing more than my share of the fighting. 

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Flats, aquarium and lido: Swansea’s Civic Centre plans move closer as cabinet gives green light

Swansea Council’s cabinet has approved further work to develop the detail of a planning application for the seafront building, which is expected to be submitted later this year.

The council’s regeneration partners Urban Splash are leading the project. Their proposals — which drew large crowds when they went on public display in January — would see the ground and lower ground floors converted into 15 commercial units including cafes, bars and shops, with around 140 apartments on the upper floors.

The plans also include a new aquarium and a saltwater lido on the site, which sits on the seafront between the Swansea Arena and the bay.

Council leader Rob Stewart said the Civic Centre “sits on one of the most spectacular waterfront sites in the UK” and that he wanted to see it become “a vibrant destination with new homes, independent businesses, leisure and community spaces that will benefit local people while attracting more visitors to Swansea.”

He added that the building’s redevelopment was “the first phase of a bigger vision for the overall Civic Centre site, which — once delivered — will further strengthen Swansea’s reputation as a leading waterfront destination.”

Urban Splash development director David Warburton said the company saw “enormous potential” in the site.

He said:

“It’s an extraordinary building in an unrivalled waterfront location, and we see enormous potential to create a place that people will want to live in, visit and spend time in.

“Our ambition is to sensitively repurpose the building, delivering high-quality homes alongside dynamic spaces for independent businesses, hospitality, leisure and community uses — creating activity throughout the day and into the evening.”

The building has been largely empty since council services were moved out to the new Y Storfa hub on Oxford Street, which opened in December. The former BHS building now houses the central library, the contact centre, revenues and benefits, and the West Glamorgan Archive Service — all of which had previously been based at the Civic Centre.

Y Storfa attracted thousands of visitors in its opening weeks, with the council describing the new hub as “busy every day” since its doors opened.

The Civic Centre redevelopment is the first phase of a wider masterplan for the seafront site. It forms part of the council’s broader ‘Future Swansea’ vision for the city centre and waterfront, a draft document published last month that sets out how the council wants the area to develop over the next eight to ten years.

Urban Splash is also behind plans for a new riverside neighbourhood in St Thomas, which would include more than 150 homes. The company specialises in the regeneration of historic and complex buildings across the UK.

A planning application for the Civic Centre is expected to be submitted in the coming months, after which it will be considered by the council’s planning committee.

Crowds flock for first look at dramatic Civic Centre makeover plans

Residents packed into the Y Storfa community hub last week as Swansea Council and regeneration firm Urban Splash unveiled early ideas for one of the most high‑profile redevelopment sites in Wales.

The proposals — still at an early stage — include new cafés and bars overlooking the bay, beach‑sports shops, apartments, workspaces, a dedicated events venue, and even a brand‑new aquarium on the waterfront.

It’s the boldest vision yet for the huge seafront plot, which the council says could become a “once‑in‑a‑generation” destination for locals and visitors.

First Minister drops in for a look

Among those getting an early peek was First Minister Eluned Morgan, who visited Y Storfa during the two‑day exhibition. The hub itself is part‑funded by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.

For anyone who missed the event, the full proposals — along with a feedback form — are now available online, with more public engagement promised in the months ahead.

“Shaping something special for Swansea”

Urban Splash, the award‑winning regeneration specialists appointed to deliver the 20‑year partnership across seven Swansea sites, said the turnout showed just how much appetite there is for change.

Development director David Warburton said the response had been “fantastic”.

“We’re at the very start of shaping something special for the Civic Centre site,” he said. “Local insight is invaluable, and there’ll be plenty more opportunities for people to have their say.”

Council: “People care deeply about this site”

Council leader Cllr Rob Stewart said the early reaction proved how important the location is to Swansea residents.

“This is a landmark site and people care deeply about its future,” he said. “Working with Urban Splash gives us a once‑in‑a‑generation chance to reimagine the Civic Centre as a vibrant destination for residents, businesses and visitors.”

He added that the council is committed to keeping local people “at the heart of the project”.

Part of a wider city shake‑up

The Civic Centre revamp is just one of several major schemes being brought forward under the Urban Splash partnership.

Last autumn, the company revealed plans for a seven‑acre riverside neighbourhood in St Thomas, including more than 150 homes — half of them affordable — a landmark six‑storey building, shared gardens, improved river walkways and new space for shops, cafés and leisure.

The Civic Centre proposals are expected to evolve over the coming months as more public feedback is gathered.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

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Public invited to give views on new Civic Centre plans as fresh artist’s impression released

A new computer generated image released today shows how the Oystermouth Road site could be transformed under early ideas from regeneration specialists Urban Splash, who are working with Swansea Council on a long‑term redevelopment of the waterfront landmark.

The updated visuals come just a day after Swansea Bay News revealed the first artist’s impression of the dramatic overhaul planned for the building, which the council says will become a major new destination “where the city meets the beach”.

Urban Splash will now put their emerging proposals in front of the public at a two‑day exhibition at the Y Storfa community services hub in the former BHS unit on Oxford Street. The consultation runs on Wednesday January 28 from 3pm to 7pm, and Thursday January 29 from 9am to 5.30pm.

Cafés, bars, lido and aquarium among ideas for the site

The company says the Civic Centre could be reinvented as a mixed‑use waterfront neighbourhood featuring new cafés, bars, beach sports shops, apartments, workspaces and cultural attractions. An aquarium, a saltwater lido and an events space are also being explored as part of the early concept.

Urban Splash was appointed by Swansea Council as part of a 20‑year regeneration partnership covering seven key city sites, including the Civic Centre.

David Warburton, Development Director at Urban Splash, said the consultation marked an important moment in shaping the future of the building.

“We are very much looking forward to this early engagement with local people and businesses to help shape proposals for the Civic Centre building – a hugely important part of Swansea’s continued transformation,” he said. “Engaging with local communities and incorporating their feedback is central to our work.”

Council says site could become ‘vibrant new focal point’

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said the Civic Centre project represented “another important chapter” in the city’s regeneration.

“This site has the potential to become a vibrant new focal point on our waterfront, bringing together homes, leisure, culture and public spaces in a way that complements the huge investment already transforming our city,” he said. “I’d encourage everyone to take part in this early consultation and help shape a scheme that reflects the ambitions of our growing and confident city.”

The Civic Centre proposals follow Urban Splash’s recent plans for a riverside neighbourhood in St Thomas, which include more than 150 homes, shared gardens, improved river walkways and new commercial space.

The full Civic Centre proposals will also be published online next week.

New artist’s impression reveals dramatic transformation planned for Swansea’s Civic Centre site

The image forms part of a wider update from the developer, which is working with the council on seven major regeneration sites across Swansea, including the Civic Centre, Porth Copr (formerly the St David’s car park site) and the Hafod Morfa Copperworks.

Urban Splash says it will showcase the Civic Centre proposals at a public consultation event at Y Storfa on 28–29 January, inviting residents to view the plans and give feedback.

A new waterfront district where ‘the city meets the beach’

On its website, the developer describes the Civic Centre site as the future “City Waterfront” — a new district centred around a reinvented and repurposed Civic Centre building.

The vision includes up to 600 homes, 150,000 sq ft of commercial space, and a mix of cafes, bars, shops and leisure uses spilling out towards the sweeping curve of Swansea Bay. Apartments, workspace, an aquarium, hotel and events space also feature in the early concept.

The site sits at the end of Ffordd I’r Môr (“Route to the Sea”), the new pedestrian link connecting the city centre and Swansea Arena directly to the beach.

Hafod Morfa Copperworks: heritage meets leisure

Urban Splash has also published updated material for the Hafod Morfa Copperworks, where Swansea Council and the developer are preparing a new spatial framework for the historic riverside site.

The plan outlines opportunities for a mix of commercial and residential uses alongside the major public and private investment already underway. Levelling Up funding has supported the restoration of heritage buildings and the opening of the Penderyn Distillery and Visitor Centre, with the wider vision blending “old and new, action and relaxation”.

Porth Copr: new offices, learning space and green public realm

The St David’s car park site — now branded Porth Copr — is being promoted as a modern office and learning campus in the heart of the city centre.

Designed by leading UK architects, the scheme proposes 300,000 sq ft of Grade A office and mixed‑use commercial space, arranged around new green public realm overlooking a historic church. Space for education providers, creative industries, cafes and restaurants forms part of the mix, all within a short walk of the beach and Swansea Arena.

Urban Splash says the seven sites it is working on represent a long‑term opportunity to reshape key parts of Swansea, with early‑stage cabinet approval already secured for more than 150 homes and commercial space in St Thomas.

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Site investigation works begin ahead of new Swansea city office development

First step towards major new offices

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

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

“This is about people, not just buildings”

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

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

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

Sustainability at the core

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

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

History of the St David’s site

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Delivered in partnership

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

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

Context: Copr Bay phase 2 and site clearance

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

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

Plans unveiled for 150‑home riverside neighbourhood in St Thomas

Swansea Council’s Cabinet will be asked on 18 September to approve a Stage 1 Project Plan for the seven‑acre St Thomas Waterfront site, unlocking the next phase of design work and public consultation.

The scheme, part of the council’s 20‑year Shaping Swansea regeneration partnership with developer Urban Splash, would see the former industrial land north of the river bridges redeveloped into a mix of apartments and townhouses, with half of all homes classed as affordable — a higher proportion than the 20% normally required in this part of the city.

At the southern end of the site, a six‑storey landmark building is proposed, with commercial space on the ground floor for shops, cafés or leisure uses. A central green street would run through the development, opening onto shared garden spaces, while new and improved riverside walkways, safer road crossings and cycle‑friendly routes would connect St Thomas to the city centre and SA1. The plans also include a landscaped buffer along Pentreguinea Road to help screen traffic and reduce noise.

Council leader Cllr Rob Stewart said the project would breathe new life into a site that has stood empty for decades. “Large parts of the river corridor have been left behind for too long,” he said. “This project is about changing that – bringing new homes, affordable housing, green public spaces and other facilities to the riverside. The scheme will help address local housing demand while reconnecting people with the Tawe and creating a thriving neighbourhood that builds on Swansea’s rich history.”

Urban Splash, working in joint venture with Lovell, is leading the design alongside Stirling Prize‑winning architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, landscape architects Grant Associates and engineers Arup. Housing association Pobl Group is proposed as the partner to deliver the majority of the affordable homes.

David Warburton, of Urban Splash, said the vision was to create a sustainable neighbourhood that feels part of the existing community, with high‑quality homes, green spaces and new routes for walking, cycling and enjoying the river. “The next stage will involve detailed design work and conversations with local people so together we can shape a development Swansea can be proud of,” he said.

If Cabinet approves the Stage 1 plan, Urban Splash will have six months to produce a Stage 2 Project Plan with detailed designs, costings and a public engagement programme before a planning application is submitted. The St Thomas site is one of seven strategic locations earmarked for regeneration under the Shaping Swansea partnership, which also includes projects at the Civic Centre, Guildhall and other key city‑centre plots.

#AllfordHallMonaghanMorris #Arup #construction #featured #GrantAssociates #Lovell #newHomes #PlanningPermission #Pobl #RiverTawe #StThomas #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #TaweBridges #UrbanSplash

Site investigation works to start on new city office development

Swansea Council say the works are due to start on Monday 17 March and could take over a week to complete.

The council say the work will help pave the way for a new Public Sector Hub scheme that’s aimed at helping boost city centre footfall.

The grassed area outside St David’s Church Hall will be fenced off while the works are ongoing and the council say that every effort will be made to minimise disruption.

The Public Sector Hub will include commercial floor space for shops and restaurants on the ground floor. Swansea Council and a range of other public sector partners will occupy office space above.

Made up of four floors above ground level and one floor below, the council say that hundreds of workers will be based at the Public Sector Hub.

The council and its regeneration partners Urban Splash will develop the proposed new building, with the council retaining ownership.

This would form part of the first phase of the overall site’s redevelopment being led by Urban Splash, who are continuing to work on plans for the rest of the site.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “We all want our city centre to succeed and to have more shops and other businesses, but we know more footfall is needed to support our existing traders and attract new investment.

“That’s not just the case in Swansea – it’s the same in many other city and town centres across the UK because of challenges like online shopping.

“Schemes like the Public Sector Hub will combine with many others to locate thousands more jobs in the city centre, which will help boost spending there and encourage more shops to open up.

“This scheme will also enable the redevelopment of the Civic Centre site on the seafront. Our regeneration partners Urban Splash are working on detailed proposals for that site, which will be announced as soon as they’re finalised.”

The council say it’s anticipated construction on the Public Sector Hub itself will start on site by the end of 2025.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

#CllrRobStewart #construction #officeDevelopment #PublicSectorHub #regeneration #StDavidSShoppingCentre #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #UrbanSplash