Swansea’s future mapped out: new transport hub, market revamp and cultural quarter in draft city centre plan

Swansea could be about to undergo its biggest city centre shake‑up in a decade — with a new transport hub, a revamped market, and even a cultural quarter all on the table.

The draft Swansea City Centre Placemaking Plan, presented to councillors this week, sets out how the city centre and waterfront could be transformed over the next 8–10 years. It replaces the 2016 regeneration framework and covers everything from the Civic Centre site to the top of High Street.

A city carved into five zones

The plan doesn’t treat the city centre as one lump of concrete and shops — instead, it breaks it down into five distinct “Action Areas,” each with its own character and proposals:

• The Core: The beating heart of Swansea, where retail, leisure and nightlife collide. Here the council wants to reinforce a thriving shopping district, breathe new life into the Oxford Street arcades, and make Swansea Market a destination in its own right.
• City Waterfront: Stretching from the Marina to the Civic Centre, this is about reconnecting Swansea to its seafront. Expect talk of new public squares, leisure attractions, and even an aquarium as part of the Civic Centre redevelopment.
• Tawe Waterfront: Across the river, the old St Thomas railway station site is earmarked for housing, commercial space and community facilities — a new neighbourhood rising from the tracks.
• City North: St Helen’s Road and its surroundings are seen as a gateway, with plans to improve connections and make the area more welcoming for residents and visitors.
• Upper High Street/Dyfatty: The northern gateway, where the High Street station plaza could be transformed into a proper arrival point, linking seamlessly to a proposed transport hub at The Strand.

The big ideas

At the centre of the plan is a new transport hub on The Strand, just a stone’s throw from the railway station and facing the River Tawe. Councillors were told this could become the city’s main interchange, making it easier to move between trains, buses, and active travel routes.

Other “indicative concept” schemes include:

• A facelift for Swansea Market, with better links to the Quadrant and surrounding streets.
• Revitalised shopping arcades off Oxford Street.
• Greener, safer public spaces with more trees, street furniture and public art.
• A potential Cultural Quarter, celebrating Swansea’s identity and drawing visitors in with events, galleries and creative spaces.

Related coverage: Strand arches proposals

New images show how Swansea’s Strand arches could be transformed
Council proposals to revitalise the historic arches as part of wider regeneration, reconnecting the city centre with the River Tawe and creating new public spaces.

Councillors weigh in

At the scrutiny meeting, Cllr Michael Locke pressed for updates on the Civic Centre site, while regeneration team leader Gail Evans confirmed initial designs were ready and a report could follow in the new year.

Cllr Will Thomas praised the new central hub Y Storfa, which opened recently on Oxford Street, and asked if more city centre buildings could be repurposed for education and sport to drive footfall. Panel convenor Cllr Chris Holley warned that commercial viability remains a challenge, with many schemes needing public sector “gap funding” to stack up. He called for a workshop for all elected members, describing the plan as covering “a huge area.”

Council leader Rob Stewart said Swansea was “a different city” compared to 2016 and that it was time to refresh the plan.

What happens next

The draft placemaking plan will go before Cabinet in February 2026, followed by public engagement in March. Adoption as council policy is expected later in 2026, setting the stage for a decade of regeneration.

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New free ‘Shopper Hopper’ shuttle bus launches in Swansea city centre

Shopper Hopper to run weekdays between rail station, market and bus station

Swansea Council says the new “Shopper Hopper” will operate Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm, offering a continuous loop between High Street railway station, Whitewalls (Swansea Market), and Wellington Street outside the bus station.

The 15-seat minibus is wheelchair accessible and includes space for shopping trolleys and mobility equipment. No booking or timetable is required — passengers can simply wait at designated stops and hop on when the bus arrives.

Council says service will support footfall and accessibility

Council leader Rob Stewart said the service was designed to make city centre travel easier:

“The Shopper Hopper is a simple idea that’ll make it easier than ever to get around the city centre, connecting shoppers and visitors to the shops, cafés and businesses they want to visit.

We know that lots of people come to the city centre using the main bus station and the railway station. Some of those visiting may have mobility issues or need a little extra help to get around.

Now we’ve just opened Y Storfa, the hopper will be yet another option to choose that’ll help visitors to get to the new central library and all the other services on offer there.”

Cabinet member Andrew Stevens said the initiative makes better use of the council’s existing minibus fleet:

“We already have a fleet of minibuses that provide essential transport services, providing transport to day care centres as well as schools and colleges.

The aim of this new free service is to make better use of these vehicles and put them to good use — and hopefully encourage more people to come into the city centre.

We know that lots of people come to the city centre using the main bus station and the railway station. Some of those visiting may have mobility issues or need a little extra help to get around, so the Shopper Hopper is designed with them in mind.”

Route and timings

The Shopper Hopper completes a full loop every 45 minutes, with key pick-up times including:

• 9:00am from High Street railway station
• 10:45am and 2:45pm from Wellington Street (bus station)
• 4:15pm from Whitewalls (Swansea Market), terminating at the railway station by 4:30pm

Stops are located at:

• High Street Station (Railway Station)
• Whitewalls (City Centre / Swansea Market)
• Wellington Street (Outside the Bus Station)

The Shopper Hopper is separate from Swansea Council’s seasonal free bus initiative, which offers free travel across selected city routes on weekends in the run-up to Christmas. That scheme, designed to support festive shopping and events, runs alongside the council’s wider efforts to boost city centre footfall during the holiday period.

Service details and contact

The service is currently free of charge and will run year-round. Swansea Council says demand will be monitored and additional buses may be added if needed.

For more information, passengers can call 01792 522980 or visit the council’s website: swansea.gov.uk/shopperhopper

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#featured #freeBus #FreeCouncilMinibus #publicTransport #ShopperHopper #Swansea #SwanseaBusStation #SwanseaCityCentre #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaMarket #SwanseaRailwayStation #SwanseaTrainStation #WellingtonStreet #YStorfa

Swansea launches annual Poppy Appeal with city market ceremony

Launch at Swansea Market

The launch took place at Swansea Market, chosen as the venue to bring the appeal into the heart of the city. The event was attended by the Lord Mayor of Swansea, Cllr Cheryl Philpott, Council Leader Cllr Rob Stewart, Cllr Wendy Lewis, the council’s Armed Forces Champion, and representatives from the Royal British Legion.

The Poppy Appeal is the Legion’s UK‑wide campaign to raise funds for veterans and their families. This year’s appeal carries added poignancy as it coincides with the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day.

“Wear your poppy with pride”

Cllr Philpott said the appeal was a vital opportunity to honour those who had given their lives for freedom:

“So many local people have made the ultimate sacrifice over the years. This year is the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day and the generation which gave us everything and is gradually passing on, deserve our respect and remembrance. I would encourage everyone to give what they can to the appeal and wear their poppy with pride.”

Council Leader Cllr Rob Stewart added:

“Our veterans need our support and the Royal British Legion does brilliant work for them and for serving members of the armed forces. We should all give what we can in this year’s Poppy Appeal.”

Community remembrance events

A series of remembrance events will take place across Swansea in the coming weeks, including:

• 25 October – Cross of Peace ceremony at Dan Y Graig Cemetery
• 2 November – Garden of Peace opens outside Morgan’s Hotel
• 8 November – Festival of Remembrance at Brangwyn Hall
• 9 November – Remembrance Sunday: Cenotaph service, city centre parade and Service at Swansea Minster
• 11 November – Poppies to Paddington event at Swansea Railway Station
• 11 November – Armistice Day commemorations at the Cenotaph and National Two Minute Silence
• 11 November – Guildhall illuminated red for Armistice Day

“A symbol of sacrifice”

Phillip Flower, Chairman of the Royal British Legion in Swansea, said the poppy remained a powerful emblem:

“The poppy has been the emblem and a rallying‑point for Royal British Legion fundraising for well over a century. It is a reminder of the poppies of Flanders, where so many gave their lives during World War I.”

Poppies will be available at council venues across the city, including libraries, the Guildhall and the Civic Centre.

#ArmisticeDay #Cenotaph #CllrCherylPhilpott #LordMayorOfSwansea #RemembranceSunday #RoyalBritishLegion #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaMarket #SwanseaPoppyAppeal #VEDay #VJDay

Lord Mayor thanks Swansea for backing £200k cancer appeal at city market

Cllr Cheryl Philpott welcomed shoppers to the city’s indoor market on Saturday (12 October) as she kicked off her “Just a Pound” appeal, which aims to raise £200,000 for Swansea Bay Health Charity’s Going the Extra Mile for Cancer campaign.

The money will support the South West Wales Cancer Centre at Singleton Hospital.

Choir and community join launch

The launch featured a performance by the Phoenix Choir of Wales, while radio and panto star Kev Johns joined the celebrations to help spread the word about the fundraising drive.

Market traders showed their support by placing collection boxes on stalls, with further charity events planned throughout the year.

Lord Mayor praises generosity

Cllr Cheryl Philpott said: “I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came along to support the appeal launch. Your generosity and enthusiasm mean so much, and I’m truly grateful to the market traders and all those who gave up their time to help make the day such a success.

“Cancer affects so many of us, and every penny raised will help support patients, families and staff at the centre. If everyone in Swansea gave just £1, we’d reach our target in no time.”

She added that raising money for the cancer centre was one of her main ambitions as Lord Mayor, alongside promoting Swansea’s historic indoor market.

Transforming Singleton’s cancer facilities

The South West Wales Cancer Centre, run by Swansea Bay University Health Board, provides life‑saving NHS treatments including radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Donations have already helped fund major improvements, including an £80,000 refurbishment of the Chemotherapy Day Unit. The new appeal aims to transform the old unit into a modern outpatient suite, creating a more welcoming space for patients and families.

Lewis Bradley, charity manager at Swansea Bay Health Charity, said: “Every donation makes a real difference, helping people in Swansea Bay and the surrounding areas access the very best care in an environment that truly goes the extra mile for them.”

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#Cancer #Charity #CllrCherylPhilpott #fundraising #GoingTheExtraMileForCancer #JustAPound #JustAPoundAppeal #KevJohns #LordMayorOfSwansea #marketTraders #PhoenixChoirOfWales #SingletonHospital #SouthWestWalesCancerCentre #Swansea #SwanseaBayHealthCharity #SwanseaMarket

Top chef returns home for free Swansea Market cooking demo

Live demo on Friday

From 11am to 12.30pm on Friday, October 10, the former executive chef of London’s renowned St John restaurant will take to the market floor for a series of free demonstrations.

Using fresh produce sourced directly from market traders, Woolway will prepare dishes designed to highlight the quality and variety of ingredients available in the heart of Swansea.

From St John to SA1

After years at one of London’s most respected dining destinations, Woolway has recently returned to Swansea to open his own restaurant, The Shed in SA1.

During Friday’s event, he will not only cook but also share insights from his time at St John, offering visitors a glimpse into the techniques and philosophy behind one of Britain’s most influential kitchens.

Council backing

The showcase is being organised by Swansea Council’s business support and market teams, with part‑funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

Cllr David Hopkins, the council’s Joint Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Delivery, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Jonathan to the market for this exciting event. Swansea Market is one of the jewels of our city, supporting local businesses and showcasing the very best of Welsh produce.

Events like this celebrate our heritage, our traders and our future, and we encourage as many people as possible to come along and enjoy it.”

Market at the heart of the city

With more than 100 stalls offering everything from fresh fish and meat to artisan products, Swansea Market has been recognised nationally as the UK’s best large indoor market.

It continues to attract thousands of shoppers each week and remains a vital hub for independent traders.

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#chef #cooking #cookingDemo #cookingDemonstration #foodDrink #JonathanWoolway #SA1 #Swansea #SwanseaMarket #TheShedInSA1

Lord Mayor launches £200k cancer charity drive at Swansea Market

Choir and celebrity support at launch

On Saturday 11 October, Cllr Cheryl Philpott will officially launch her charity appeal at Swansea Market, joined by the Phoenix Choir of Wales and radio and panto star Kev Johns.

The event begins at 12 noon and is open to all. Market traders are also backing the campaign, with collection boxes appearing on stalls throughout the fundraising drive.

Raising funds for vital cancer care

The Lord Mayor has chosen to support Swansea Bay Health Charity’s “Going the Extra Mile for Cancer” appeal, which aims to raise £200,000 for the South West Wales Cancer Centre (SWWCC) at Singleton Hospital.

The money will help transform the centre’s old Chemotherapy Day Unit into a new outpatient suite with a welcoming, non‑clinical environment for patients and families.

“Every pound makes a difference”

Cllr Philpott said:

“Two of my ambitions as Lord Mayor were to raise as much money as possible for the South West Wales Cancer Centre and to promote our brilliant indoor market. I’m delighted to combine both for the launch of the Just A Pound appeal.

Cancer does not discriminate. Most of us know someone who has been affected. If each of Swansea’s 250,000 residents gave just £1, we’d reach our target in no time.”

Charity welcomes appeal

Lewis Bradley, charity manager at Swansea Bay Health Charity, said:

“We’re so excited that the Lord Mayor is supporting the appeal. Swansea Market is at the heart of the community, and this campaign is a wonderful chance to spread the word and get people involved. Every donation helps us provide the very best care in an environment that truly goes the extra mile.”

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#Cancer #Charity #Chemotherapy #ChemotherapyDayUnit #CllrCherylPhilpott #fundraising #GoingTheExtraMileForCancer #KevJohns #LordMayorOfSwansea #PhoenixChoirOfWales #SingletonHospital #SouthWestWalesCancerCentre #Swansea #SwanseaBayHealthCharity #SwanseaMarket

Swansea Market attendant sweeps up fans as TikTok star

At first glance, Luke Riley looks like any other hard‑working market attendant. Dressed in his Swansea Market uniform, mop or broom in hand, he goes about his daily routine with quiet pride.

But to thousands of TikTok users, the 26‑year‑old has become the face of a Swansea social media success story.

Viral success

Since launching in March 2024, the official Swansea Market TikTok account has racked up more than 1.5 million video views, 8,300 followers and over 66,800 likes. Its mix of light‑hearted clips, dancing stallholders, lip‑syncs and behind‑the‑scenes glimpses into market life has struck a chord well beyond the city’s borders.

One video — set to a track by rapper Kendrick Lamar — has been watched more than 166,000 times. Right at the heart of it is Luke, who admits he was nervous at first.

Luke Riley said:

“I knew TikTok was a big deal, but I’d never done anything like it before. The first time I got asked to be in a video, I thought ‘really? me?’

Now people come up to me all the time — teenagers, families, even people in their 60s — saying, ‘You’re the TikTok guy!’ It’s mad, but it’s brilliant too.”

Luke says the videos are not just fun but are helping boost footfall.

“I do the door counts at the end of the day, and since we started TikTok, the figures are on the up. It’s bringing in new people, especially younger customers.”

Swansea roots

Born in Portmead, Luke grew up visiting the market with his mum and grandparents. After leaving Bishop Vaughan Comprehensive School, he joined the market team seven years ago.

“What I love about this job is that it mixes things I really enjoy — cleaning and helping people. Even at home I drive my partner mad with how much I like keeping everything spotless.

Every video feels like I’m leaving my mark. I love this place, and I want everyone to see what makes it special.”

Community spirit

Other market staff and traders regularly feature in the TikTok clips, from smoothie makers and street food chefs to jewellers and tea merchants.

Cllr David Hopkins, Swansea Council’s Deputy Leader, said:

“All of our market staff including Luke continue to do a fantastic job in showcasing the very best of the market, both on the ground and online.

Their enthusiasm — along with the dedication and commitment of the brilliant market traders — mean the market is attracting new visitors of all ages.”

Swansea Market, which won the UK’s Best Large Indoor Market award last year, is home to nearly 100 stalls selling everything from fresh produce and street food to clothing, gifts and jewellery.

Watch the viral video

#Abertawe #cymru #dance #diversity #featured #Food #foodie #funny #FYP #Humour #KendrickLamar #Notlikeus #Relatable #Superbowl #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaMarket #swanseamarket #TikTok #trend #Trending #Viral #Wales #Welsh

Young Swansea trader shines at market event

Bethany Coram, owner of Coram Ceramics, was named joint winner in the arts and crafts category at the South Wales regional final of the NMTF Young Traders Market competition, held at Swansea Market.

She shared the accolade with Alana Jones, founder of Alana Jayne Jewellery in Ammanford. Both will now go on to represent the region at the competition’s grand final in Stratford-upon-Avon this August.

The event, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, brought together nine of South Wales’ most promising young traders, who showcased their businesses alongside the market’s popular vegan mini-market.

David Hopkins, Swansea Council joint deputy leader, said: “Competition judges were impressed with the ambition of the young traders, and the quality of their offers. We wish them all the very best as they continue their endeavours in market trading.”

Judges included Swansea Lord Mayor Cheryl Philpott, and council regeneration managers Clare James and Matt Callaghan.

Alana Jones was also named overall winner of the regional final.

Other category winners included:

• Abigail Smith, of Abi’s Macarons (Bridgend)
• Katie Lambert, of Classy Canine Creations (Bridgend)

Highly commended awards went to:

• Leah Morgan, of Malfie & Cro (Cwmbran)
• Charlotte Taylor, of Taylor’s Tiny Tots (Merthyr Tydfil)

The event also honoured Wayne Holmes, chair of Swansea Market’s NMTF branch, who received a special presentation from NMTF president Mike Riley and the Lord Mayor in recognition of his 30 years of trading at the market.

Swansea Market, managed by Swansea Council, is the largest indoor market in Wales and was crowned Britain’s best large indoor market last year.

#Business #ceramics #CllrCherylPhilpott #CllrDavidHopkins #jewellery #LordMayorOfSwansea #marketTraders #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaMarket #UKSharedProsperityFund

Swansea entrepreneur behind the ‘bowl with a roll’ wins Welsh business award

This Father-daughter founded micro-bakery & lunch vendor, currently based in the bustling Swansea Indoor Market – is home to the World’s First Bowler Hat-Shaped Loaf of Bread, the Bowla. A variety of different Bowlas are served as a delicious lunchtime offering, or on their own to be filled at home.

Hannah Worth, 25, founder of Bowla – A Bowl With a Roll said: “We first launched in Swansea Market back in April 2023 in our first stall. We aimed to make as much noise as possible and that we did. On top of trading from our stall, built up a small following on social media, we traded in numerous pop-ups, catered office lunches, launched on online shop and featured on Channel 4’s Aldi’s Next Big Thing.

“In June 2024 we decided we needed to take what we’d learnt in our first year forward and re-jig our business. So we closed down stall 62, and built and bigger and brighter stall just two doors down, stall 60 in Swansea Market. September 2024 we relaunched and it was a huge success.”

Hannah added: “To have my hard work recognised on a regional scale has been massive. Its made me reflect on
and relish on the successes and pitfalls of building a business from scratch. For the first time
ever I feel really proud of myself.

“Our new goal is to get Bowla’s into stadiums across the UK, starting in South Wales. We are chipping away at this goal every day, starting with refining our product and offering based on the information we have gathered over the last 2 years. Make sure to watch this space.”

Supported by a wide range of partners, including Airwallex, Big Ideas Wales, Bodlondeb, Business Wales, Cardiff Life, Coffi Lab, Join Talent, M-Sparc, Mentera, Town Square, and V-Rum, the UK StartUp Awards were established to highlight the success of start-ups across ten UK nations and regions and to celebrate the achievements of entrepreneurs in all sectors of the economy.

Entrepreneurship in Wales is gaining momentum, driven by a new generation of founders who are combining innovation, resilience, and a strong sense of community. From tech start-ups in Cardiff and creative ventures in Swansea to purpose-led businesses in rural towns and the Valleys, Welsh entrepreneurs are building companies that not only generate economic value but also reflect the country’s culture, values, and ambition. With a grow in support network, access to top talent from Welsh universities and an increasing focus on
sustainability and social impact, Wales is establishing itself as a dynamic and distinctive hub for
start-up success.

According to Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, creator of the UK StartUp Awards, this surge in start-up ambition reflects a new generation of entrepreneurs who are not only identifying opportunities but are also building innovative, resilient businesses that are shaping the future of the regional economy.

“Entrepreneurs across Wales are reshaping the economic landscape, turning bold ideas into thriving ventures and ambition into meaningful impact. That’s why we created the StartUp Awards, to celebrate the individuals who are building something from nothing and making a real difference in their communities. Across the country, from coastal towns to city centres, Welsh entrepreneurs are developing everything from cutting-edge digital solutions to
sustainable food brands and green energy businesses that are all grounded in a deep sense of place, purpose, and national pride.

“I’m delighted that Bowla has won their category at the awards and I’m looking forward to having them join the ‘best of the best’ from Wales competing at the UK final later this year.”

All regional winners in their category will now progress to the UK StartUp Awards final, taking place at Ideas Fest on September 11th (dubbed the “Glastonbury for Entrepreneurs.”) along with the winners from nine other nations and regions.

#Bowla #Business #entrepreneur #foodDrink #Swansea #SwanseaMarket

TikTok fun boosts business for Swansea Market traders

Videos featuring a wide range of them – including fishmongers, butchers and greengrocers – have had 1.1 million views in the past year. 

That, in turn, is attracting new customers to the much-loved venue.

Wayne Holmes, chair of the Swansea Market Traders Federation, said: “Lots of incredible people who work in the market have been delighted to take part in these fun videos – dancing, preparing their goods, serving customers and just having fun.

“The films show that the market has lots of fantastic traders who help give thousands of customers a great experience.”

Lewis James, of The Powder Room, one of the market’s many stalls, said: “The videos have a positive effect on our trade.

“Many people see them on TikTok and come in shortly afterwards to enjoy shopping with us and at other stalls.

“They videos have led to other upbeat films being posted about the market by people with influential TikTok accounts.”

The venue – named Britain’s best large indoor market last year – is managed by Swansea Council which continues to make significant improvements there, with eye-catching new main entrances planned for this year. It’s a key feature of the city’s council-driven £1bn regeneration.

Council cabinet member and joint deputy leader David Hopkins said: “The traders’ TikTok videos are fantastic – they’re great fun and illustrate perfectly the human touch they all bring to the city centre.

“Swansea Market is a treasure that’s loved by many thousands of people; social media is helping to ensure that it remains a great place for future generations.

“We’re thrilled with the fantastic results. The involvement of the traders has been key to its success – and I’m sure there’ll be many more to come.”

The videos are being created by Swansea-based creative agency reTHINK PR and Marketing.

The first went out in March last year. The market’s TikTok account now has more than 6,400 followers and has had more than 46,300 “likes”, outstripping a similar account run by London’s world-renowned Borough Market.

The market’s TikTok content is proving to be especially useful in reaching young adults. If you have a TikTok account you can see the videos by following @swansea.market.

#Abertawe #abertawecymru #cymru #dance #diversity #Food #foodie #funny #FYP #Humour #KendrickLamar #LoveYourLocalMarket #LYLM2025 #MadeByMarkets #marchnadabertawe #market #MomentsMadeByMarkets #Notlikeus #Relatable #shimmy #shimmyaday #shimmyadaytrend #socialMedia #Superbowl #SupportLocal #Swansea #SwanseaMarket #swanseamarket #thereshegoes #ThingstodoinSwansea #ThingstodoinWales #TikTok #trend #Trending #Viral #Wales #Welsh