Swansea’s former JT Morgan store reborn as creative hub
Studios bring new life to landmark building
An iconic Swansea city centre building that stood empty for nearly two decades is buzzing again, as dozens of artists and creative professionals move in.
The former JT Morgan department store on Belle Vue Way, vacant since 2008, has been transformed into 55 studios now fully occupied by painters, sculptors, writers, fashion designers and video editors.
The first phase of the regeneration, led by Elysium Gallery, also delivered a new roof fitted with solar panels, a lift and a modern power supply.
Backed by major funding
The project has been supported by Swansea Council through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, which helped fund internal works and roof improvements. Additional backing has come from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns scheme, the Arts Council of Wales, the Architectural Heritage Fund and a community shares initiative.
Council leader Rob Stewart said the scheme was part of a wider effort to preserve Swansea’s heritage while creating new opportunities.
“We’re delighted to be supporting Elysium with their ongoing work to breathe new life into the former JT Morgan building,” he said. “This regeneration project follows on from major schemes that have already transformed other historic city buildings including the Palace Theatre and the Albert Hall.”
History of the JT Morgan Department Store
Origins: JT Morgan was established in 1918 and grew into one of Swansea’s best‑known family‑run department stores. For a time it even operated as a “members‑only” warehouse before expanding into a full retail business.
Post‑war rebuild: The current four‑storey building on Belle Vue Way opened in January 1961, replacing terraced houses destroyed during the Swansea Blitz. Its striking post‑war design features white stone at ground level, red brick upper floors and copper‑framed windows.
Largest independent store: By the early 2000s, JT Morgan was regarded as Wales’ largest independent department store, employing around 60 staff and serving generations of Swansea shoppers.
Administration and closure: The business went into administration in early 2008 after poor trading. Although briefly rescued by its management team, the store finally closed later that year, leaving the building vacant for nearly two decades.
Unrealised move: JT Morgan had planned to relocate to the former David Evans store site in 2008, but the move never materialised. The intended unit is now occupied by Slaters Menswear and The Gym Group.
Public opening planned for 2026
Phase two of the project is now underway, focusing on the ground floor and basement. Once complete, the building will open to the public for the first time in almost 20 years.
Plans include a gallery, coffee shop, function suite, education centre and quiet room, along with a Changing Places facility to improve accessibility. The gallery is due to host its first exhibition in June next year, featuring acclaimed artist André Stitt.
Writer Brian Manton, Elysium Gallery co‑founder Daniel Staveley and fashion designer Jessica Honey on the staircase of the newly refurbished JT Morgan building in Swansea, now home to 55 creative studios.(Image: Swansea Council)
Creatives already collaborating
For those already working inside, the building is proving more than just a workspace.
Daniel Staveley, co‑founder and director of Elysium Gallery and Studios, said:
“It’s vitally important to bring unused buildings back into use. This building has an iconic status within Swansea so seeing it being brought back to life lifts people’s positivity. City centres need a mix of activities as well as offices and retail, which is where spaces like ours come in.”
Writer Brian Manton said the mix of disciplines was inspiring:
“It’s a great facility that brings a lot of people from different creative disciplines together, which leads to collaborating with each other. Having other creative people in the building definitely helps to keep me motivated.”
Fashion designer Jessica Honey added:
“The new facility is fantastic. Having other creatives in the same building makes it easy to find people if you are looking to collaborate. Facilities like these could lead to opportunities for creative professionals to grow their businesses and bring even more life to the city centre.”
Wider regeneration programme
Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government Jayne Bryant said the project showed how culture can drive regeneration.
“This is an impressive example of how creative regeneration can breathe new life into our towns and cities, while tackling the issue of empty buildings,” she said. “It’s inspiring to see artists, designers and writers shaping the future of Swansea while honouring its past.”
The JT Morgan project is part of a £1bn regeneration programme unfolding across Swansea, with Elysium continuing to operate its other studios on Mansel Street and College Street, and live music events at its High Street base.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Former department store to be transformed into arts hub thanks to £780k Welsh Government grant
How funding support is helping breathe new life into Swansea’s city centre.
British Art Show to visit Swansea for the first time in 2027
Prestigious touring exhibition will showcase contemporary art across five city venues.
#artStudio #ArtsCouncilWales #BelleVueWay #ElysiumGallery #fashionDesigner #heritage #JTMorganDepartmentStore #painter #sculptor #SharedProsperityFund #Swansea #TransformingTowns #videoEditor
Editor
Jonathan Wright