Inside Swansea’s old Debenhams: stripped‑out photos show dramatic transformation as major revamp gathers pace

The 13 interior images, taken as contractors near the end of the strip‑out phase, show the building completely hollowed out: escalators gone, ceilings exposed, and entire floors cleared of fittings, walls and partitions. What was once a maze of cosmetics counters, clothing rails and cafés is now a vast, echoing shell waiting for its next chapter.

A team from Andrew Scott Ltd, working on behalf of Swansea Council, is now close to finishing the demolition‑style clear‑out. The move paves the way for the next stage — a full landlord fitout — allowing future tenants to move in far faster once final agreements are signed.

Plans include splitting the ground floor into two new retail units for nationally recognised brands, while the upper floors are being lined up for a major leisure operator. Talks with prospective tenants are said to be “advanced”, with announcements expected once permissions are secured.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said:

“We know how much this building means to residents and city centre businesses, which is why we stepped in to secure it with support from the Welsh Government after Debenhams went into administration across the country.

The strip‑out works are now largely complete and our focus now is moving to a landlord fitout so prospective tenants can move quickly into their own fitout phase once agreements are finalised.

Bringing this key building back into use is a major step towards creating a vibrant, thriving city centre. Not only will it provide high‑quality retail and leisure spaces, but it will also generate jobs, increase footfall and encourage further investment.”

The stripped‑back photos show just how extensive the transformation has been — bare floors stretching the length of the building, exposed steelwork, and the last remnants of the old department store removed as the site prepares for its new identity.

Steve Rees, Operations Director at Andrew Scott Ltd, said:

“We’re proud to be involved in the regeneration of such a landmark building.

Projects like this play a vital role in revitalising city centres while supporting local jobs and skills.

We have worked closely with our local supply chain partners ensuring the benefits of the investment are felt across the community. Our expertise in large refurbishment projects will contribute to a new retail and leisure facility that will have lasting benefits for Swansea.”

The Debenhams overhaul is the latest in a string of major city‑centre revivals, following the restoration of the Palace Theatre, the 71/72 Kingsway development — now 80% let — and the opening of Y Storfa, the new community services hub inside the former BHS building.

With the interior now stripped back to its bones, the next few months will determine how quickly the old Debenhams can reopen its doors — and which new names will take over one of Swansea’s most iconic retail spaces.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Carmarthen’s old Debenhams reborn as Atriwm – but opening pushed back to 2027
A major redevelopment in Carmarthen hits delays as the former Debenhams prepares for a new future.

Council announces three businesses to move into former city centre Debenhams
Swansea Council confirms the first wave of new tenants set to take over the landmark building.

New tenant for city Debenhams teased as new window vinyl artwork unveiled
Fresh branding appears on the building’s windows, hinting at the next big name moving in.

Swansea’s Quadrant rolls out sensory packs for shoppers

Packs to calm the chaos of shopping

The busy city centre shopping centre has introduced Sensory Packs containing noise‑reducing headphones, fidget tools and calming aids to help visitors who struggle with sensory overwhelm, anxiety or stress in crowded spaces.

The packs are available on request from the security team and are designed to make shopping trips less daunting for families and individuals who might otherwise avoid the Quadrant.

The centre has also signed up to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme, meaning shoppers wearing the sunflower lanyard can discreetly signal they may need extra support.

Training to tackle hidden barriers

Centurion, who own the Quadrant, say every front‑of‑house worker has now undergone specialist training with Wales‑based diversity experts Delsion, giving them the confidence to support neurodivergent customers and those with non‑visible disabilities.

The move comes against a stark backdrop. Research shows that three‑quarters of disabled shoppers have walked out of a store because of poor accessibility or service, while seven in ten never return after a negative experience. Campaigners say this underlines the importance of centres making visits easier and more spontaneous, without the need for detailed planning.

Adam Gibbons, Property Director at Centurion, said:

“Making sure our shoppers feel supported, understood, and genuinely welcomed is central to who we are. By equipping all our front‑of‑house team with disability inclusion training and introducing Sensory Packs, we are taking meaningful action to improve the experience of neurodivergent customers.”

“Positive example” for UK centres

Julian John, CEO of Delsion, added:

“It’s essential that shopping centres take proactive steps towards neurodiversity inclusion, especially as many neurodivergent needs are not immediately visible. The Quadrant is setting a positive example for centres across the UK.”

How to get a pack

Shoppers can request a Sensory Pack by approaching a security team member or visiting the control room on the first floor, near the lift and customer toilets.

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The Fourth Quadrant of Knowledge

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Holland & Barrett opens new flagship store in Swansea’s Quadrant Shopping Centre

Holland & Barrett has further invested in Swansea city centre with the launch of a new flagship store in the Quadrant Shopping Centre — more than three times the size of its previous unit.

The UK’s leading health and wellness retailer has unveiled its latest concept design in a 3,024 sq ft space located near Rituals and Schuh, bringing an expanded range of products and new in‑store services to the city.

Bigger space, new services

The new store offers a greater selection of health, wellness, and beauty products, alongside services including free health consultations, biological age testing, and personalised health checks.

Regional Manager Michele Parsons said the move was about creating a hub for wellness in the heart of Swansea:

“The bigger space means we can offer our customers even more choice, as well as exciting new services like health checks and consultation hubs. It’s all about helping people in Swansea take positive steps towards their health and wellness, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone in.”

Part of a £70m UK investment

The opening forms part of Holland & Barrett’s £70 million store roll‑out programme across the UK. The decision to expand in Swansea reflects confidence in the city centre, which is undergoing major regeneration and attracting new investment.

Adam Gibbons, Property Director at Centurion Group – owners of the Quadrant – said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Holland & Barrett’s exciting new‑concept store to the Quadrant. Their investment demonstrates real confidence in Swansea and highlights the centre’s position as a prime retail destination. This opening brings something new and innovative for our visitors and strengthens our health and wellbeing offering.”

Celebration event this weekend

To mark the opening, Holland & Barrett will host a celebratory day in store on Saturday 27 September (11am–4pm), featuring a live DJ, free popcorn, exclusive offers, and 50 goody bags for the first 50 customers.

Part of a wider retail revival

The arrival of Holland & Barrett’s flagship follows the recent opening of Rituals in the Quadrant earlier this month, which brought a luxury wellbeing brand to Swansea for the first time as we reported here.

Both openings align with the city’s wider retail revival, highlighted in our feature on the shops readers most want to see in Swansea. With over £1 billion of regeneration underway and Centurion Group investing in the Quadrant, Swansea is increasingly attracting national and international brands alongside its independent retail scene.

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Guide Dogs bring ‘Pat and Chat’ to the Quadrant this week

Shoppers in Swansea city centre will have the chance to meet some of Wales’ most remarkable working dogs when Guide Dogs Cymru sets up stall in the Quadrant Shopping Centre this Thursday and Friday (22–23 August).

From 10am to 4pm on both days, volunteers will be selling the charity’s latest merchandise and inviting visitors to stop for a “Pat and Chat” with guide dogs and puppies in training.

Among those attending will be Izzy James and her labradoodle Souly, who are marking two years as a qualified guide dog partnership. “Souly changed my life and pulled me out of depression,” said Izzy. “He’s given me confidence I never had, and the independence to go places I’d never been before. During the heatwave I had to go back to using a long cane, and it made me realise just how much easier he makes it for me to get around – not to mention how fast we walk.”

The Quadrant has been a long‑time supporter of Guide Dogs Cymru, with shoppers raising more than £30,000 for the charity since 2013. The centre even named a black Labrador puppy, Kaypea, who went on to qualify as a working guide dog in Gwent.

Ruth Evans, community fundraising development manager for Guide Dogs, said: “There is always great interest from shoppers in the Quadrant Centre and some have even joined us as volunteers. Swansea has a thriving and enthusiastic group of fundraisers, and our dogs love the attention.”

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Swansea Dementia Hwb supports over 5,000 people in first three years at Quadrant Shopping Centre

Dementia Hwb at Swansea’s Quadrant Shopping Centre has celebrated its third anniversary, marking three years of service, support, and community building for individuals and families affected by dementia.

Since its opening in January 2022, the Hwb says it has provided assistance to more than 5,000 individuals, solidifying its reputation as a vital resource for those living with dementia. Due to increasing demand, the service has expanded significantly, introducing 13 Mobile Hwb venues across Swansea and a second Dementia Hwb in Port Talbot, which opened on January 30, 2024.

The Hwb is staffed by 9 dedicated team members, including one member of staff living with dementia. It also benefits from the invaluable contributions of 16 regular volunteers and 16 partner organisations, including Age Cymru West Glamorgan and Alzheimer’s Society Wales. Together, they provide a wide range of services to the local community.

Over the past year, the Hwb has received £140k of Welsh Government IRCF funding to carry out works for a bespoke, dementia friendly space, in response to feedback from visitors. The Hwb worked with Stirling University Dementia Services Design Centre architects to carry out the works, which has improved lighting, acoustics, visual contrasts and reduced visual clutter of information.

Over the past three years, the Hwb say they have not only supported individuals locally but also played a key role in global dementia research. The team has shared insights and experiences with professionals from Sweden, New Zealand, Canada, and South Korea, contributing to a deeper understanding of dementia worldwide.

To mark this milestone, a celebratory event was held at the Hwb on Wednesday (29 January), with attendees including HM Lord-Lieutenant Louise Fleet JP, High Sheriff of West Glamorgan, Mrs Melanie James JP, the Lord Mayor of Swansea Paxton Hood-Williams, Michaela Morris, Dementia lead for Improvement Cymru volunteers, and representatives from partner organisations.

A representative from Centurion Group, owners of the Quadrant Shopping Centre, commented: “It is fantastic that the Hwb has had such a positive impact on those living with dementia across the region. They provide essential advice and guidance and we are proud to have provided the space for them to deliver their service.”

Hannah Davies, Dementia Hwb Manager, added: “Reaching our third anniversary is a testament to the importance of this service. The Hwb continues to challenge the stigma around dementia, providing a safe, welcoming space for individuals to seek support and share their concerns.

“With over 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK, it’s vital to have accessible resources like this. As our services expand across Wales, the Quadrant Dementia Hwb will remain the benchmark for everything we strive to achieve.”

Located near the Bus Station entrance to the Quadrant Shopping Centre, the Dementia Hwb serves as a unique drop-in information centre. Supported by Dementia Friendly Swansea, Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, Age Cymru West Glamorgan, and other local organisations, the Hwb is funded by the West Glamorgan Region Integration Fund. Originally planned as a six-week trial, the Hwb say their continued success highlights the enduring need for its services.

#Centurion #dementia #DementiaHwb #Quadrant #Swansea #SwanseaQuadrant

The assault, which took place on Sunday evening (29 September) left both victims with minor injuries.

A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “We are investigating reports of an assault upon an 18-year-old man and a teenage female girl by a group of males which happened near the Zone H seating area opposite the Costa coffee outlet.

“Both victims suffered minor injuries in the assault.

“Given the time of day we believe that there would have been several people in bus station area.

“If you can help, please get in touch with us.”

https://swanseabaynews.com/2024/10/01/police-launch-appeal-after-bus-station-assault/

#assault #busStation #Quadrant #SouthWalesPolice #Swansea #SwanseaQuadrant

Jenny's 20 Den comics quadrant

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[The New Yorker]
LAWFUL GOOD

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[Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal]
NEUTRAL GOOD

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[Альфина]
CHAOTIC GOOD

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[The Bus by Paul Kirschner]
LAWFUL NEUTRAL

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[Garfield]
TRUE NEUTRAL

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[xkcd]
CHAOTIC NEUTRAL

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[Jenny's 20 Den]
LAWFUL EVIL

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[Дюран]
NEUTRAL EVIL

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[Cyanide & Happiness]
CHAOTIC EVIL

Quadrant: Noir Version | Trailer

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Quadrant (2024) Available December 10

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