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.

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Swansea’s new Y Storfa hub draws praise as visitors embrace city centre one‑stop shop

The building, which opened on December 1 in the former BHS store on Oxford Street, has been “busy every day”, according to Swansea Council. The authority says visitors have praised its central location, bright design and the convenience of having multiple services under one roof.

Council leader Rob Stewart said the reaction had exceeded expectations.

Cllr Stewart said:

“We’re delighted that public and staff feedback from the early weeks at Y Storfa has been so positive. Public comments continue to be fantastic; our staff and partners love working here. It’s proving to be a real success.”

Community groups using the space say it has already become a valued meeting point.

Jean Blair, from social group Mentro Allan, said:

“We really enjoy meeting here. Y Storfa has welcoming staff, plenty of comfortable space and is in a central location.”

The South Wales Miners’ Library, now based inside the hub, says the move has made it far easier for people to drop in.

Sian Williams, head of cultural collections at Swansea University, said:

“We’re much more accessible here and are delighted with the number of people who’ve called in and continue to do so. We’re open to everybody and it’s great to welcome a range of visitors.”

The council’s lifelong learning team says demand has surged since relocating.

Service co‑ordinator Judith Porch said:

“With so many services being in one space, Y Storfa is connecting people. It’s great for supporting our learners — you can see how people are enjoying the experience. We’ve seen huge interest in our lifelong learning classes; our IT classes are now completely full.”

Frontline staff say the hub is already improving how residents access help.

Senior revenues and benefits officer Andrea Jones said:

“Y Storfa has made it easy for customers to access many services in one place. I had a customer who came in for a query about benefits who was then able to go straight to housing options. It makes it much more convenient being in the same location.”

The council says the numbers back up the positive feedback. December saw more than 670 new central library members — more than triple the usual monthly average — and children’s library loans have risen. The South Wales Miners’ Library, Citizens Advice, West Glamorgan Archive Service and Careers Wales all report increased footfall.

Cllr Stewart says the hub is already playing a role in boosting the wider city centre.

He said:

“Thousands of people have already enjoyed what Y Storfa has to offer. They like its accessible and compelling mix of essential services. There’s been a significant uplift in visitors compared to previous locations used by the services based there.”

Y Storfa forms part of Swansea Council’s £1bn regeneration programme and was delivered with support from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns fund. The council says its location — close to car parks, bus routes and the newly reopened Park Street East car park — is helping draw people back into the city centre.

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Swansea safety systems firm says it’s proud to keep supporting city regeneration

Local company on major city project

Plexus FS, based in Swansea, said it was appointed to design and install the fire, life safety and security systems for the new cultural hub in the former BHS building. The company said it worked under Kier Construction, through CMB Engineering and Highadmit Projects, as part of the wider city centre redevelopment.

A spokesperson for Plexus FS said the team began work in February 2025 and handed over the completed systems in November.

The firm said it delivered fire detection, emergency voice communication, access control, CCTV, intruder protection and inclusive hearing systems — all designed, according to the company, to keep visitors safe and support smooth day‑to‑day running.

“We delivered under tight deadlines”

Steve Lemon, Project Lead at Plexus FS, said the project was a major moment for the team.

“Y Storfa is a major addition to Swansea’s cultural landscape. Projects of this scale demand absolute confidence in safety systems from the outset. Our team delivered under tight deadlines without compromising standards.”

He said the company was proud to continue supporting Swansea’s regeneration after work on 71 and 72 Kingsway, the Palace Theatre, Swansea Arena and the Biophilic building.

Council says keeping work local is vital

Swansea Council said using local firms on flagship projects was a deliberate move to keep investment and jobs in the city.

Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said the project showed the value of backing home‑grown expertise.

“It is excellent to see Swansea‑based businesses delivering high‑profile projects right in the heart of the city. Keeping skills, jobs and investment local strengthens the economy and supports sustainable growth.”

Plexus FS said the project further strengthens its reputation as a partner for complex developments across South Wales.

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100 Swansea businesses sign up to new drive to boost young people’s career chances

The Swansea Pledge was launched at Y Storfa, the city’s new community and learning hub which opened last month in the former BHS building on Oxford Street and Princess Way. The event brought together employers, schools and education leaders in a major push to link classrooms with real workplaces.

The council says the scheme will help young people understand the jobs available in Swansea — and help businesses spot the talent coming up behind them.

A big push to connect pupils with real jobs

The event showcased how companies across Swansea are already stepping in to support learners, offering everything from work placements and internships to industry talks, masterclasses and employer‑led workshops.

Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said:

“From the development of the city centre and waterfront to the growth of innovation hubs and green spaces, we are building a city that attracts investment, fosters creativity, and supports sustainable growth.

But regeneration is not just about bricks and mortar, it’s about people. It’s about ensuring that every learner in Swansea can see a future here, and every business can find the talent it needs to thrive.”

Schools already seeing the benefits

Several Swansea schools have been working closely with local employers — and the impact is already visible.

At Glyncollen Primary, pupils have taken part in careers fairs and employer‑led workshops that help them understand how classroom learning links to real jobs. Cwm Glas Primary and YGG Llwynderw have taken part in enterprise challenges and STEM events, giving learners hands‑on experience with industry professionals.

Craigfelen Primary has teamed up with employers to deliver work‑related learning, while pupils at Bishopston Comprehensive spent a week with Kier and AtkinsRealis, gaining first‑hand experience in construction and engineering.

A panel at the launch event — including representatives from 4theRegion, Redkite Solicitors, Morganstone, The Secret Group, Craigfelen Primary School and Gower College Swansea — shared how business‑school partnerships are already shaping young people’s ambitions.

“A win‑win for schools and business”

Robert Smith, Cabinet Member for Education, said:

“The Swansea Pledge is a win‑win for schools and businesses and it was great to see the enthusiasm at the launch event.

It is vital that business works with us to give our schools an understanding of where there are skills gaps and how these can be addressed while also bringing the curriculum to life.

It’s also so important that young people are fully aware that there are jobs and careers out there that they may not even have considered.”

Information on careers, training and opportunities is available on the My Choices website.

Businesses interested in joining the Swansea Pledge can contact the council through the site or complete an online pledge form.

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New business openings outpace closures as Swansea BID reports safer, more confident city centre

During 2025, Swansea city centre recorded 46 visible business openings compared with 17 closures, representing a 27% increase in new openings compared to 2024. While many of the new arrivals are hospitality-led, the figures point to growing confidence in the city centre and a more vibrant offer for residents, workers and visitors.

New businesses to open this year include Rituals, Skechers, Popeye’s, Wingstop, Slim Chickens, The Swansea Jack, The Baker Co, Manifest, Plan Burrito, Saint Hugo, and independent retailers like Sapenin, Hello Asia, Retroplex, and LV Nails. 

Alongside this growth, new data shows Swansea city centre has become a safer place to trade and visit. Figures shared by South Wales Police show a 40% positive outcome rate for reported shop thefts in November 2025, up from 35% year on year.

Positive outcomes for anti-social behaviour have almost doubled, rising to 62% compared with 33% in November 2024. These improvements reflect the success of the continued partnership between Swansea Business Improvement District (BID), Swansea Council’s Safer Swansea team (SABC), and South Wales Police.

Business engagement with crime prevention and intelligence-sharing systems has also increased. Use of the SentrySIS crime reporting platform is up 28% year to date, with a 14% rise in reports to SABC. The city-wide StoreNet radio network now connects 152 businesses, improving real-time communication and incident response across the city centre.

Swansea BID has also invested heavily in supporting frontline city centre staff through training. During 2025, BID facilitated 352 training spaces, with an estimated value of £40,000, engaging 98 businesses across more than 40 courses. Training delivered included personal safety for retail and night-time economy staff, emergency first aid, food safety and mental health awareness.

This was complemented by 31 drop-in sessions and help desks, offering practical business support on business funding, waste management, marketing and energy cost savings. 

Environmental improvements have also played a role in enhancing the city centre experience. Swansea BID supported the maintenance and appearance of more than 55,000 square metres of city centre pavement and coordinated the removal of 170 graffiti tags, helping to create a cleaner and more welcoming environment.

Andrew Douglas, Swansea BID Manager, said:
“The rise in new business openings is a clear indicator of growing confidence in Swansea city centre. Coupled with improved crime outcomes, stronger communication, and sustained investment in training and the public realm, it demonstrates that effective partnership working is delivering tangible results.

“Our priority has been to create a safer, more welcoming city centre, and that progress is now translating into real momentum for businesses.

“It is also exciting to see the city centre continue to evolve through major developments such as 71/72 Kingsway, Y Storfa, Kartay’s Princess Quarter, and the ongoing Castle Gardens project.

“This continued investment highlights the city’s positive trajectory, and I am confident that as we move into 2026, Swansea city centre will become an even more attractive destination for businesses to establish and grow.”

Swansea BID will continue to build on this progress into 2026, with a focus on safety, business support and strengthening Swansea city centre as a place to visit, work and invest.

[Lead image: Swansea City FC]

Thousands flock to new city centre hub as Y Storfa officially opens

The former BHS department store on Oxford Street has been transformed into a buzzing community hub, bringing the city’s Central Library, housing services, archives and advice centres together under one roof.

Crowds pour in since doors opened

Y Storfa has been open since December 1 and has already welcomed thousands through its doors. Social media has been flooded with praise from locals.

Visitor Pat Baldrian said:

“I really like it. I’ll be a regular visitor – it’s so convenient whilst in town.”

Ronny Oner added:

“It was super busy when we popped in to have a gander.”

Ministers cut the ribbon

The hub was formally opened today (December 17) by Julie James MS, Counsel General and Minister for Delivery, alongside Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart and cabinet member Elliott King.

Council leader Rob Stewart said:

“It’s fantastic that Y Storfa has enjoyed successful public and formal openings – and that so many people have already visited and given us great feedback. It’ll deliver essential services to people from across Swansea and will help drive new business to nearby traders. It’ll be even better when we complete our ongoing transformation of the neighbouring Castle Square which will soon be greener and more welcoming than ever.”

Services under one roof

Inside Y Storfa, visitors will find the city’s Central Library, a children’s library with sensory play, the West Glamorgan Archive Service, Housing Options and Housing Support, plus bases for Careers Wales and Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot. Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library has also moved in.

To mark the opening, an exhibition in the community event space highlights the building’s history and the changing face of the city centre.

Praise from partners

Jayne Bryant, Welsh Government cabinet secretary for housing and local government, said:

“With the opening of Y Storfa, we’re bringing essential services together under one roof – making support more accessible while creating a vibrant hub that strengthens Swansea’s community and boosts local businesses. I’m proud that our Welsh Government Transforming Town programme helped to fund this project, and I’m delighted that so many residents of all ages are already using this fantastic space.”

Caroline Newman, chief officer of Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot, said:

“Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot are already settling in to Y Storfa. Access for clients is much easier and the surroundings warm, bright and welcoming. Having the right environment is far more conducive to helping some of the most vulnerable people in our community.”

Sian Williams, head of Cultural Collections at Swansea University, said:

“We are delighted that Y Storfa will be the new home of the South Wales Miners’ Library. Our new location will mean these remarkable collections — rich in stories of Wales and Swansea’s industrial and cultural heritage — are even more accessible. We look forward to collaborating with Swansea Council colleagues and the other Y Storfa tenants to engage new audiences, inspiring and informing future generations.”

A new heartbeat for the city

With hundreds of nearby parking spaces and easy access to public transport, Y Storfa is set to become a central hub for Swansea life.

Ian Rees, regional director for Kier Construction Western & Wales, said:

“It has been fantastic to see Y Storfa buzzing with life since it opened. Delivering this vibrant space in the heart of Swansea city centre embodies our commitment to creating sustainable, community‑focused facilities that will benefit future generations for decades to come.”

The council says the hub will grow even further once the neighbouring Castle Square is transformed into a greener, more welcoming public space.

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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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Y Storfa opens in Swansea city centre as council services move from Civic

The facility is part of the authority’s £1bn regeneration programme and brings together a range of services under one roof, including the city’s Central Library, Housing Options, Housing Support, and the West Glamorgan Archive Service. Careers Wales, Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot, and Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library also have bases there.

Council leader Rob Stewart described Y Storfa as “a great city centre space for the people of Swansea to access services they use day in day out,” adding that it would “make the city centre an even better place to visit.”

The project has been funded in part by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, with construction led by Kier. Ian Rees, regional director for Kier Construction Western & Wales, said the company was “incredibly proud to see Y Storfa open its doors to the public, providing a vital community space right at the heart of the city centre.”

Wendy Williams of Careers Wales said the move would make it easier for residents to access free careers advice in a central location, while Caroline Newman of Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot said the relocation would “improve accessibility and create opportunities for collaboration.”

Services available at Y Storfa

• 📚 Swansea Central Library
• 🏠 Housing Options and Housing Support services
• 📜 West Glamorgan Archive Service
• 🎓 Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library
• 💼 Careers Wales advice centre
• ⚖️ Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot
• Other council services relocated from the Civic Centre

Note: Registration offices and bereavement services remain at the Civic Centre until further notice.

The opening means there is now no public access via the front doors of Swansea Civic Centre. Council services previously based there have transferred to Y Storfa, although registration offices and bereavement services will continue to operate from the Civic until further notice.

The council says redevelopment plans for the Civic Centre are still being worked on and will be announced once finalised.

#archives #bhs #careersWales #centralLibrary #citizensAdvice #civicCentre #featured #housingOptions #housingSupport #library #oxfordStreet #princessWay #swansea #swanseaCouncil #swanseaUniversityMinersLibrary #westGlamorganArchiveService2 #yStorfa

Opening date confirmed for Swansea’s new Y Storfa hub

According to Swansea Council, the transformation of the former BHS building at the junction of Oxford Street and Princess Way is a key part of its £1bn regeneration programme. The authority says the project is designed to revitalise the city centre and bring services together under one roof.

“Firm opening date before Christmas”

Council Leader Rob Stewart said the opening was a major milestone:

“It’s fantastic that we now have a firm opening date for Y Storfa – and that it’ll be before Christmas. It’ll be a great new facility that’ll help make the city centre an even better place to visit. The great public interest in Y Storfa will mean added footfall for nearby traders as the festive season develops. It’ll be a place where people can come together – to learn, access important services, or take part in community life in a modern and welcoming space.”

Services under one roof

Swansea Council says that when Y Storfa opens, visitors will be able to access the city’s Central Library, which the authority notes will include dedicated areas for children and families. The council also states that the building will house its Housing Options and Housing Support teams, alongside the West Glamorgan Archive Service.

According to the council, Y Storfa will not just feature council services. Careers Wales and Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot have confirmed they will have permanent bases in the hub, while Swansea University has said its South Wales Miners’ Library is among the organisations preparing to move in over the coming weeks. The council describes these combined services as making Y Storfa a one‑stop destination for learning, advice, and community support.

Wider regeneration

Swansea Council says the opening of Y Storfa is part of a much broader transformation of the city centre. The authority points to work underway next door at Castle Square, which it describes as being redeveloped into a greener, more welcoming public space. Council leaders also highlight other recent projects they have driven, including the creation of the Swansea Building Society Arena, the redesign of The Kingsway and Wind Street, new office space at 71/72 Kingsway, and the restoration of the historic Palace Theatre.

According to the council, private developers are also investing heavily in the area. Projects cited include the Biophilic Living Building on Oxford Street, the Princess Quarter development, and the revival of the Albert Hall, which the authority says are adding to the momentum of regeneration in the city centre.

Backed by Welsh Government

Funding for Y Storfa has come from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, with construction led by The Kier Group.

The council says the hub will provide a modern, welcoming environment for residents and visitors, while boosting footfall for city centre traders in the run‑up to Christmas and beyond.

#bhs #castleSquareRedevelopment #centralLibrary #centralLibraryMove #centralLibraryRelocation #centralLibrarySwansea #kierGroup #oxfordStreet #princessWay #swansea #swanseaCentralLibrary #swanseaCouncil #swanseaRegeneration #yStorfa #yStorfaSwansea

Historic archives prepare for move to Swansea’s new Y Storfa hub

Thousands of items set for relocation

The phased move will see around 21,700 boxes of documents and almost 20,700 photographs and slides carefully packed and transported from the Civic Centre to the purpose-built facility.

At Y Storfa, the collection will be stored on secure shelving stretching more than 4km in length – the equivalent of the distance from the Civic Centre to Blackpill.

Safeguarding centuries of local history

The archive, jointly run by Swansea and Neath Port Talbot Councils, holds material ranging from the 1130 foundation charter of Neath Abbey to the latest electoral registers.

Councillor Elliott King, Swansea Council’s cabinet member for culture and equalities, said the move was a “major milestone” for the much-loved service.

He added:

“Y Storfa will provide state-of-the-art storage and research facilities, ensuring that our collections are preserved and accessible for generations to come.”

Service continues during the transition

The move will begin in November with the preparation of the Civic Centre’s public searchroom.

A searchroom service will remain available there until Y Storfa opens, with full access to documents expected to resume early next year once the transfer is complete.

A new home in the heart of the city

Y Storfa, located in the former BHS building on Oxford Street, is due to open before Christmas as part of a wider community hub. Alongside the archives, it will also house Swansea Central Library, the South Wales Miners’ Library and other public services.

The new base will feature modern strongrooms built to current preservation standards, as well as shared spaces for exhibitions, workshops and collaborations with local history groups.

Looking ahead

Cllr King praised the archive team for their work in planning the complex move:

“While there may be some temporary changes to how the service operates, the long-term benefits are clear – more space, better access, and a stronger foundation for celebrating our shared heritage.”

For updates on the move and how to access services during the transition, visit: swansea.gov.uk/westglamorganarchives

#archives #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #WestGlamorganArchiveService #YStorfa