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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#AndrewScottLtd #CllrRobStewart #CoprBay #CoprBayBridge #CoprBayPhase2 #newOffices #newShops #regeneration #StDavidSShoppingCentre #Swansea #SwanseaCityCentre #SwanseaCouncil #UrbanSplash

Tata Steel begins new project at Port Talbot in £1.25bn green plan

The company says the state‑of‑the‑art facility will replace ageing equipment and prepare hot rolled steel for downstream processes. The line cleans and treats steel before it is cold rolled and coated, supplying other Tata operations at Trostre, Llanwern and Shotton.

A turning point for Tata’s operations

Mills Programme Manager Andrew McGregor called the groundbreaking a turning point.

“This is a fundamental asset that is required for us to have a sustainable UK business going forward,” he said.

“Our current assets are at the end of their operational life, and without this replacement pickle line, we wouldn’t be able to process many of the steels required for our downstream businesses and directly for our customers.”

McGregor also praised the project team for months of preparatory work, from diverting cables to clearing the bay, which has allowed demolition crews to move in.

One year after the blast furnaces fell silent

The investment comes less than a year after the closure of Port Talbot’s blast furnaces, which brought significant job losses and uncertainty for the town. Tata insists the pickle line is a sign of renewal, but unions and community leaders have warned that the transition to electric arc furnace production will still mean a smaller workforce.

The new pickle line is scheduled to be in place by 2026, ahead of the planned commissioning of a 3.2 million‑tonne electric arc furnace in 2027/28. Tata says the EAF will melt UK‑sourced scrap steel and form the centrepiece of its decarbonisation strategy.

Local firms in the frame

Construction of the pickle line is being led by Sir Robert McAlpine, with regional firms including Darlow Lloyd & Sons, Andrew Scott Ltd and Systems Group also involved.

At the official ceremony, Tata Steel board member Pramod Agrawal cut the ribbon alongside senior executives.

Optimism tempered by caution

For Port Talbot, the start of work on the pickle line is another reminder of the site’s changing role. Neath Port Talbot Council leader Steve Hunt recently described the past year as “seismic” for the town, but said projects such as the pickle line and the Celtic Freeport offered reasons for optimism.

Campaigners, however, remain cautious. They argue that while new investment is welcome, the loss of traditional steelmaking has left deep scars and that promises of a “green future” must be matched by secure jobs and long‑term commitments.

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#AndrewScottLtd #blastFurnace #DarlowLloydSons #electricArcFurnace #GreenSteelmaking #industry #manufacturing #PickleLine #PortTalbot #PortTalbotSteelworks #PramodAgrawal #SirRobertMcAlpine #SystemsGroup #TataSteel

Work to start on new stage canopy for Swansea’s city centre amphitheatre

The amphitheatre, opposite the LC leisure centre and close to Swansea Arena, has already seen improvements to its steps, new handrails and a mains power supply. The next phase will see contractors Andrew Scott arrive on site this month to begin work on a sail‑shaped canopy designed to transform the space for performers and audiences.

Due to be completed by Christmas, the canopy will provide shelter for performers, audience members and lighting systems, while retaining the venue’s open‑air atmosphere.

Elliott King, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Human Rights and Equalities, said the upgrade would “turn heads” and bring fresh vitality to the space.

“This summer’s Amplitude event at the amphitheatre was a great free weekend out for music lovers. Performers also said they loved it and are looking forward to returning next year under cover,” he said. “This addition will significantly extend the venue’s usability throughout the year, supporting a wider range of cultural and community events, as well as providing an outdoor venue unique in Swansea.”

The council says the amphitheatre is one of the city’s key cultural assets, complementing other performance spaces such as Swansea Arena, the Grand Theatre and Singleton Park. The upgrade is part of its wider commitment to attract top‑quality cultural, music and creative events to the city.

Work on the canopy is expected to be finished in time for the 2026 events season.

#Amphitheatre #AndrewScottLtd #canopy #CllrElliottKing #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

Work starts to prepare former Debenhams for new tenants

Contractors Andrew Scott Ltd, working on behalf of Swansea Council, are removing fixtures and fittings to prepare the Quadrant Shopping Centre unit for its next chapter.

The council is in advanced talks with two well‑known high street retailers and a leisure operator. Plans would see the ground floor split into two retail units, with the upper floors repurposed for leisure use.

Council leader Cllr Rob Stewart said:

“We know how important the former Debenhams unit is for Swansea residents and city centre businesses. It’s why we bought the building with Welsh Government support after Debenhams went into administration and we continue to work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring it back into use.

“The strip‑out works which have now started are needed to bring the building into a condition that will be acceptable for prospective tenants to start their fit‑outs.

“Bringing the former Debenhams unit back into use is part of our commitment to deliver a thriving city centre for the benefit of local people, local businesses and visitors to the city.”

The works will also include re‑roofing the building. Once leasing agreements are finalised, the council says it will announce the names of the incoming businesses — expected in the coming weeks.

A long road to revival

The prominent 114,000 sq ft store closed in 2021 when Debenhams collapsed nationally. Swansea Council purchased the building in April 2023 with £2.85m Welsh Government Transforming Towns funding, aiming to secure a retail‑led future and safeguard city centre jobs.

Since then, the authority has teased announcements, unveiled temporary window vinyl artwork by local illustrator Hannah Davies, and confirmed in May this year that three businesses are lined up to open in early 2026.

Timeline: From closure to comeback

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Main contractor appointed for Grand Pavilion restoration as landmark project enters next phase

The long-awaited redevelopment of the Grand Pavilion in Porthcawl has taken a major step forward, with Andrew Scott Ltd appointed as the main contractor to deliver the restoration and enhancement of the Grade II listed building.

The announcement follows enabling works carried out by Prichard’s Demolition, who stripped the building back to its original concrete shell, and Severn Insulation Ltd, who removed external asbestos from the 92-year-old structure. With the site now prepared, Andrew Scott Ltd will begin the main construction phase this summer, with work scheduled to continue until 2027.

The project, led by Bridgend County Borough Council in partnership with Awen Cultural Trust, aims to restore the Pavilion’s historic features while introducing new facilities to support arts, culture and heritage services. Plans include improved accessibility, new studio spaces, and the sensitive refurbishment of the building’s Art Deco architecture.

Cllr Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Development and Housing, said:

“This truly iconic building holds a special place in the hearts of many people. We’re delighted to appoint Andrew Scott Ltd, whose expertise will be vital in bringing the Grand Pavilion back into use with enhanced features for our communities.”

Richard Hughes, Chief Executive of Awen Cultural Trust, added:

“The appointment of Andrew Scott marks a key milestone. As we’ve seen with Maesteg Town Hall, heritage-led regeneration can transform town centres and support the local economy.”

During the redevelopment, Awen Cultural Trust is keeping the Pavilion’s spirit alive through a series of ‘pop-up Pavilion’ events at Awel-y-Mor Community Centre and other venues in Porthcawl. These monthly events include jazz, comedy, tea dances, cinema, lunchtime theatre and family shows.

The Grand Pavilion project is funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, Bridgend County Borough Council, and the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Wales programme. It follows years of planning, consultation and design work, with the final proposals unveiled in 20232.

Andrew Scott Ltd, established in 1870, brings extensive experience in heritage restoration, having worked on Tintern Abbey, Insole Court, and Dyffryn Gardens. The company’s involvement is expected to ensure the Pavilion’s legacy is preserved while adapting the venue for future generations.

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Welsh business chosen to bring new life to Swansea heritage buildings

South Wales-based Andrew Scott Ltd plans to start work on site this year in a Swansea Council scheme to transform the Vivian and Musgrave Engine Houses, and the V&S No.1 Locomotive shed.

Over the coming few months, the company will lead on the final stages of design for the project, on the site of the former Hafod-Morfa Copperworks.

Andrew Scott – which dates back more than 150 years and has worked on a wide range of projects – was selected in a competitive tender process.

Swansea schemes it has previously worked on include the construction of the new Gorseinon Primary School, the construction of Mumbles’ Marks & Spencer Foodhall and the build and renovation of the city centre’s grade two listed Alex Building for the University of Wales Trinity St David. They worked on Technium 1 and the Ethos Building in SA1.

Council leader Rob Stewart said: “We’re delighted to have Andrew Scott on board for the exciting transformation of these copperworks buildings.

“It’s a company with a track record in excellence and they’ll do a great job on helping us to regenerate the Lower Swansea Valley.

“This is an exciting time for that area as we and others plan to invest tens of millions of pounds there.

“Our £1bn regeneration of Swansea continues at pace!”

A planning application for a major outdoor leisure destination by operator Skyline has been approved for land close to the engine sheds and on Kilvey Hill.

Mark Bowen, managing director of Andrew Scott Ltd, said: “As one of Wales’s oldest independent construction companies, we’re proud to be working alongside Swansea Council on the Lower Swansea Valley project to restore and transform key parts of the historic Hafod-Morfa Copperworks.

“As a Swansea-based company, we profoundly appreciate that this iconic site reflects the city’s rich industrial heritage.

“By regenerating these significant buildings, we’re helping to celebrate local identity, strengthen community ties, and ensure future generations can enjoy and learn from this unique part of Swansea’s story.”

The engine houses form an integral part of Swansea’s industrial heritage. The council wants to bring them back into use to bring pleasure to thousands and new opportunities.

The copperworks of past centuries were key to the growth of Swansea, playing a crucial role as major industry over around 300 years. The industry declined but some of its buildings and other structures remain.

The plan now is to redevelop and restore buildings for new uses and to improve access to them.

Andrew Scott will make the nearby V&S No.1 Locomotive Shed, a listed building that served the copperworks, safe and watertight. It’s currently dilapidated.

The engine houses – both listed buildings – will, in future, be suitable for a range of uses, including restaurants and cafes, exhibition-style space and shops.

The council saved the two engine houses from ongoing decay several years ago. A new river pontoon was added nearby.

The Musgrave structure, built around 1910, contains rare scheduled ancient monument the Musgrave Engine, the UK’s only one of its kind remaining in its original location.

In future, the engine’s external elements will have a covered shelter to enable the machinery’s future restoration and to help tell the story of local archaeology.

The Vivian Engine House, built in 1860, will feature a mezzanine floor. A new building will link the two engine houses. There’ll be an outdoor terrace area.

Swansea Council is working on a series of schemes in the River Tawe corridor. The schemes are being funded with part of £20m funding from the UK Government’s Levelling Up scheme.

The council’s Lower Swansea Valley project, with a close focus on the site of the copperworks, aims to result in more wealth and greater local connectivity.

#AndrewScottLtd #construction #HafodMorfaCopperworks #heritage #MusgraveEngine #regeneration #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #VivianEngineHouse

Over ‘300 skilled jobs’ secured for Port Talbot Steel works green transition plan

Tata Steel say the new jobs in the local supply chain will be part of new contracts signed with Bridgend-based companies Darlow Lloyd & Sons, Wernick Buildings, and Swansea-based business, Andrew Scott Ltd. 

Darlow Lloyd & Sons will play a key role in the initial phases of the project, overseeing excavation, recycling, infrastructure, and drainage works essential to the site’s transition to Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking.

Director, Rhys Lloyd, said: “We are delighted to announce this partnership which will boost employment across Neath Port Talbot and lay the foundation for future growth across the manufacturing sector.

“Our involvement in this transformation is not only a privilege, but fundamental to maintaining our strong presence and heritage at the site.

“This collaboration safeguards our experienced workforce and allows us to appoint local experts with transferable skillsets to this once-in-a-lifetime project.”

Critical infrastructure, including the construction of a new scrap yard to manage the inflow of UK-sourced used steel as a feedstock for the new Electric Arc Furnace (EAF), will be completed by Andrew Scott Ltd. 

David Evan Williams, Civil Contracts Director said: “Having worked major on civil and construction projects at Port Talbot since the late 1800s, our involvement in this transformation is not only a privilege, but fundamental to maintaining our strong presence and heritage at the site. 

“We have committed to supporting local talent, ensuring that we fill positions with our skilled workforce, alongside experienced former Tata Steel workers and experts in the supply chain. As work progresses, we aim to provide further opportunities for individuals in surrounding communities to help deliver this exciting vision.”

Ben Wernick, Managing Director, Wernick Buildings added: “We are thrilled to bring our wealth of experience in the modular construction sector to deliver the centrepiece of Port Talbot’s contractor village; an 8500 square metre space spanning three buildings, comprised of offices and welfare zones.

“90% of the workers we employ to build this impressive space will be from communities surrounding the steelworks – spanning Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Cardiff – allowing us to nurture and grow regional talent.”

UK Industry Minister, Sarah Jones commented: “Today’s news is a major boost for communities in South Wales, delivering high-skilled opportunities for local people, and will help Welsh steelmaking to drive growth and attract further investment as part of our Plan for Change.”  

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens added: “We have supported Tata Steel with £500m to safeguard Welsh steelmaking and I’m pleased that the company is itself investing in the local supply chain, securing hundreds of jobs and driving economic growth.

“It is fantastic news for the South Wales economy that local firms have secured these major contracts to deliver the transformation of steelmaking at Port Talbot.”

Lloyd Bryant, Head of Infrastructure & Amenities, Tata Steel, concluded: “The expertise of these long-standing contractors is key to the success of our transformation. 

“We look forward to collaborating with them, under Sir Robert McAlpine’s supervision, to safeguard the future of sustainable steelmaking in the area, securing jobs and ensuring the long-term viability of steelmaking in Wales for generations.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AxsEV-Y1Ys

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