NEXT STEP FOR CITY CENTRE: Work begins at former St David’s site for major new office development

The scheme is expected to bring hundreds of workers back into the heart of the city, providing a significant boost in footfall and spending for local businesses. The Council claims the development will follow the success of other recent projects, such as 71/72 Kingsway and the Y Storfa community hub, which are already delivering increased activity to the area.

‘More than Bricks and Mortar’

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, hailed the move as a vital part of the city’s long-term regeneration. He argued that the development is about more than just construction; it is about creating the economic conditions for the city to thrive.

“This is another major step forward in our long-term plan to regenerate Swansea city centre and create the conditions for more jobs, more investment and more opportunities for local businesses,” said Cllr Stewart.

“Developments like this are about far more than bricks and mortar. By bringing hundreds of workers into the city centre every day, we’re increasing footfall and spending power for our existing traders. That in turn helps create the confidence and demand needed to attract new shops, cafés and other businesses.”

Addressing High Street Challenges

The Council Leader acknowledged the ongoing challenges facing traditional high streets, particularly from the rise of online shopping. He stated that the “reality” is that businesses will only invest in Swansea if the footfall figures justify it.

Cllr Stewart added:

“The reality is that shops and other businesses will only choose to open in Swansea if the city centre footfall figures show it’s worth their investment. Schemes like this directly strengthen that case and help ensure our city centre has a strong and sustainable future.”

Essential Site Investigations

The site investigation works currently under way are described by the Council as a “routine and essential part” of major construction projects. These works will inform the detailed design and ensure the site is fully prepared before the main build works begin.

The Council believes that by bringing hundreds of new workers into the city centre daily, the local authority will see a measurable increase in spending at nearby shops, cafes, and services, ensuring the city heart remains resilient and thriving.

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New £15m eco‑business hubs filling up fast, says Welsh Government as demand surges in Carmarthenshire

Ministers say the £15m investment — jointly funded by the Welsh Government and Carmarthenshire County Council — has delivered new sustainable business units at Parc Gelli Werdd in Cross Hands and a second scheme now under construction at Beechwood Industrial Estate in Llandeilo.

According to the Welsh Government, Parc Gelli Werdd’s 26 “state‑of‑the‑art” workshops and offices are already demonstrating “strong market demand” for low‑carbon premises. The Government says the site includes an energy‑management system allowing tenants to control electricity use for cost efficiencies, alongside high‑performance insulation and solar panels designed to reduce running costs and environmental impact.

Officials say the development is around 70% let, with further enquiries being considered for the remaining units.

The Welsh Government also says five new energy‑efficient industrial units are being built at Beechwood Industrial Estate. The scheme, due for completion in June, is described by ministers as being designed to meet a “Net Zero carbon in‑operation target” and will include electric vehicle charging points.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans said businesses consistently highlight the need for modern, flexible space.

“Businesses tell us how access to modern business spaces is crucial to helping them expand and grow,” she said. “Both of these developments in Carmarthenshire deliver to exceptional environmental standards and will reduce operational costs for occupying businesses whilst minimising environmental impact.”

Carmarthenshire County Council says the partnership is helping create high‑quality space for local firms. Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism Cllr Hazel Evans said the new units will support business growth in the county.

“Through collaborative working with Welsh Government, these energy‑efficient commercial units will provide fantastic, flexible spaces for businesses in Carmarthenshire to thrive,” she said.

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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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