Drone video shows Swansea’s ‘living building’ rising above city skyline

Woolies reborn

Commissioned by Powell Dobson architects, the aerial video shows the former Woolworths site transformed into the Biophilic Living Biome, a development led by Hacer Developments in partnership with housing group Pobl.

The footage captures the adjoining 13‑storey tower climbing above the city centre. While the structure is visibly taking shape, the green planting and rooftop gardens promised as part of the scheme are yet to be installed.

A UK first

The project has been described as the UK’s first “living building,” designed to blend homes, workplaces and nature in the heart of Swansea. Once complete, it will accommodate up to 500 people through the jobs and apartments it creates.

Earlier this week, Swansea Bay News reported on new grant funding pledged to support the commercial elements of the development, part of wider investment in Welsh town and city centres.

Greenhouse in the sky

Due for completion in the first half of 2026, the scheme will feature a four‑storey urban greenhouse, rooftop gardens, wildflower borders and green spaces. Apartments managed by Pobl will sit alongside an education facility, retail units and around 32,000 square feet of commercial floor space.

The building will also incorporate a bio‑solar roof, ambient loop heating and sustainable drainage systems, powered by solar energy and an air source heat system.

Wider regeneration

The ‘living building’ is part of a wider programme worth more than £1bn that is reshaping Swansea city centre. Other projects include the nearby office scheme at 71/72 Kingsway, developed by Swansea Council and part‑funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal, which is already 80% let.

Funding

The Biophilic Living Biome is being funded by a mix of private sector investment, the Welsh Government’s Innovative Housing Programme, Pobl and the Development Bank of Wales.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Millions pledged to revive Welsh centres
Grant funding announced to support commercial elements of Swansea’s ‘living building’ and other town centre schemes.

City centre Biophilic Swansea scheme a UK first
Developers say the Oxford Street project will set a new benchmark for green regeneration.

City centre living building scheme set for late summer finish
Construction milestones revealed as the tower rises over Swansea’s skyline.

University expertise to help residents grow food on roof
Swansea University teams up with developers to support rooftop food production at the Biome.

Historic Ty Mawr restored into new homes for Pontardawe

Dating back to the 1800s, Ty Mawr is identified by Neath Port Talbot Council as a Building of Local Importance. It once formed part of the sprawling tinplate works owned by W. Gilbertson and Company, which at its peak provided employment for much of Pontardawe’s population and sustained families for generations.

Today, the rest of the site is occupied by Cwmtawe Comprehensive School, retail units and housing — leaving Ty Mawr as the sole surviving structure of the town’s industrial past.

Vacant since the late 2000s, and formerly used as an “Extra Care” facility, the building had fallen into disrepair. Now, thanks to housing association Pobl, working with T.A.D Builders Ltd. and supported by Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant, the landmark has been carefully restored and extended.

New homes and sustainability

The project has created 12 modern, energy‑efficient apartments for social rent — six one‑bedroom and six two‑bedroom units. A new build element complements the refurbished two‑storey detached structure, with improved access from the highway and enhanced parking arrangements. Solar panels have been installed on the roof to boost sustainability.

Jo Brown, Project Manager for Pobl Group, said at the outset:

“This scheme is an excellent example of Pobl’s commitment to build general needs homes and bring existing buildings back into fruition. We look forward to working with T.A.D Builders Ltd, and all being well, working toward a completion date in Summer 2025.”

That completion has now been achieved, with residents beginning to move in.

Blending old and new

A spokesperson for Pobl said:

“Restoring such an old structure came with challenges — from insulating thick walls to retaining its unique character — but the result is a striking mix of old and new.

“We’re so pleased to welcome new residents to Ty Mawr and see this much‑loved building once again playing an important role in the heart of the community.”

Local heritage preserved

By regenerating Ty Mawr, Pobl say they have helped preserve the character of Pontardawe’s industrial past while addressing contemporary housing needs. The building’s legacy as part of the tinplate works endures — but now with a new role, providing homes and stability for today’s community.

#BuildingOfLocalImportance #construction #CwmtaweCommunitySchool #Pobl #Pontardawe #renovation #socialHousing #TADBuilders #tinplate #TyMawr #WGilbertsonAndCompany

Port Talbot care home worker shortlisted for ‘social care Oscars’

Selomy Dampies, Engagement and Enablement Coordinator at Llys y Seren Care Home, has been named a finalist in the Exceptional Newcomer category at this year’s awards – often described as the “social care Oscars”.

The mother‑of‑three relocated to Wales from Reading in 2024 when her husband took up a new job. Initially joining Llys y Seren as a care worker, Selomy’s passion for empowering residents quickly saw her promoted to her current role with Pobl Group, Wales’ largest provider of housing, care and support.

Since then, she has introduced a string of new initiatives, including a buddy scheme to link residents with little family contact, a sewing room, regular exercise routines, and fundraising that has brought in £4,000 for a new sensory room. She has also made sure residents can enjoy their favourite pastimes, from gardening and baking to trips to the nearby beach.

Selomy said:

“I totally love my job; caring for others comes naturally to me. It doesn’t feel like work because it is so rewarding. Making people feel at home and bringing joy to their lives is what matters most. Being nominated for an award has made me very proud.”

Her efforts have been praised by colleagues and residents alike. Tony Hart, Assistant Director of Pobl Care and Support, who nominated her, said:

“Selomy has been outstanding in what she has achieved in such a short space of time. Residents absolutely love the activities and opportunities she has brought to the home, as well as her infectious energy and positivity.”

The Wales Care Awards, organised by Care Forum Wales, celebrate excellence across the sector. Chair Mario Kreft MBE said the event highlights the vital role of social care:

“The sector is the glue that binds our communities together. Every single one of our finalists is a winner.”

The awards ceremony, sponsored by Meddyg Care, will take place at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel on Friday, October 17.

Selomy follows in the footsteps of other local finalists, including a Swansea grandfather we recently featured who turned redundancy into opportunity and is also in the running for a national award read his story here.

#awards #CareForumWales #careHome #LlysYSeren #Pobl #PortTalbot #WalesCareAwards

Plans unveiled for 150‑home riverside neighbourhood in St Thomas

Swansea Council’s Cabinet will be asked on 18 September to approve a Stage 1 Project Plan for the seven‑acre St Thomas Waterfront site, unlocking the next phase of design work and public consultation.

The scheme, part of the council’s 20‑year Shaping Swansea regeneration partnership with developer Urban Splash, would see the former industrial land north of the river bridges redeveloped into a mix of apartments and townhouses, with half of all homes classed as affordable — a higher proportion than the 20% normally required in this part of the city.

At the southern end of the site, a six‑storey landmark building is proposed, with commercial space on the ground floor for shops, cafés or leisure uses. A central green street would run through the development, opening onto shared garden spaces, while new and improved riverside walkways, safer road crossings and cycle‑friendly routes would connect St Thomas to the city centre and SA1. The plans also include a landscaped buffer along Pentreguinea Road to help screen traffic and reduce noise.

Council leader Cllr Rob Stewart said the project would breathe new life into a site that has stood empty for decades. “Large parts of the river corridor have been left behind for too long,” he said. “This project is about changing that – bringing new homes, affordable housing, green public spaces and other facilities to the riverside. The scheme will help address local housing demand while reconnecting people with the Tawe and creating a thriving neighbourhood that builds on Swansea’s rich history.”

Urban Splash, working in joint venture with Lovell, is leading the design alongside Stirling Prize‑winning architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, landscape architects Grant Associates and engineers Arup. Housing association Pobl Group is proposed as the partner to deliver the majority of the affordable homes.

David Warburton, of Urban Splash, said the vision was to create a sustainable neighbourhood that feels part of the existing community, with high‑quality homes, green spaces and new routes for walking, cycling and enjoying the river. “The next stage will involve detailed design work and conversations with local people so together we can shape a development Swansea can be proud of,” he said.

If Cabinet approves the Stage 1 plan, Urban Splash will have six months to produce a Stage 2 Project Plan with detailed designs, costings and a public engagement programme before a planning application is submitted. The St Thomas site is one of seven strategic locations earmarked for regeneration under the Shaping Swansea partnership, which also includes projects at the Civic Centre, Guildhall and other key city‑centre plots.

#AllfordHallMonaghanMorris #Arup #construction #featured #GrantAssociates #Lovell #newHomes #PlanningPermission #Pobl #RiverTawe #StThomas #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #TaweBridges #UrbanSplash

Work to begin on 31 affordable homes in Pontlliw despite local opposition

The scheme, led by Pobl Group and delivered by Willis Construction, will provide a mix of houses, bungalows and apartments for social rent on land off Clordir Road, a site currently designated as countryside under the Swansea Local Development Plan. The development was approved under an exception policy for 100% affordable housing.

“We’re proud to have been selected by Pobl to deliver this important scheme,” said Rhys Ford, Director at Willis Construction. “Our focus will be on delivering high-quality homes while working openly and respectfully with the local community throughout the build.”

A divided village

The project has faced strong resistance from residents and community groups. Two petitions with over 500 signatures and 73 formal objection letters were submitted to the council, citing concerns about pedestrian safety, traffic congestion, and pressure on local services.

Pontlliw and Tircoed councillor Victoria Holland said the village’s schools were already full and public transport was limited. She told the planning committee:

“We are not against affordable housing in Pontlliw—we are just against it in that area.”

The development will include an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing near its entrance, prompting concerns about visibility and road safety. A planning officer acknowledged the fears but said the crossing met safety standards and that no personal injury accidents had been recorded on Clordir Road in the past five years.

Meeting urgent housing need

Despite objections, councillors voted 7 to 4 in favour of the application, citing the acute shortage of affordable housing in Swansea. A report before the committee noted that 268 people on the council’s housing waiting list had named Pontlliw as a preferred location.

Planning agent Rob Davies, speaking on behalf of Pobl Group, said:

“Demand for housing is extremely high in all parts of Swansea, including Pontlliw. Affordable house-building targets have been missed for four consecutive years. Sites such as this are vital to meet that need.”

The development will be 100% social rented tenure and managed by Pobl Group. The scheme includes contributions of £75,500 and £92,288 to increase capacity at Pontlliw Primary and Pontarddulais Comprehensive School, and £6,000 towards transport and highways improvements.

Community engagement and next steps

Pobl and Willis Construction say they will work closely with Swansea Council and the local community to ensure the project delivers maximum social value. Plans include support for local schools, community groups, and employment initiatives, with a commitment to using local labour and suppliers wherever possible.

“We are delighted to receive full planning permission for our proposed scheme at Clordir Road,” said Amy Malone, Project Manager at Pobl Group. “It will provide 31 much-needed quality affordable homes for social rent, for Pontlliw.”

The development forms part of Pobl’s wider programme to deliver affordable homes across South Wales, with a focus on energy efficiency, community integration, and long-term tenancy support.

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Housing association consults on plans for 31 homes on Pontlliw field
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#AffordableHousing #CllrVictoriaHolland #ClodirRoad #newHomes #Pobl #Pontlliw #socialHousing

City centre ‘living building’ scheme set for late summer finish

A new video, shot by Calan Films on behalf of the Welsh Government, shows the considerable progress that’s being made on site at the former Woolworths building and a new adjoining 13-storey tower.

Located between Oxford Street and The Kingsway, the scheme is being led by Hacer Developments.

The development includes an urban-style greenhouse set over four floors, an education facility featuring an aquaponic system along with rooftop gardens, wildflower boarders and green spaces

Nine floors of apartments are to be managed by housing association, Pobl with close to 32,000 square feet of commercial floor space for businesses and retail.

The eco-development also features a landscaped courtyard and a bio-solar roof with ambient loop heating and sustainable drainage systems.

Once complete, the development will accommodate up to 500 people, thanks to the jobs and homes it will create. It’ll be powered by solar energy and an air source heat system.

Carwyn Davies, Managing Director of Hacer Developments, said: “These are unprecedented times for Swansea city centre with so much funding being invested by the council, the Welsh Government and the private sector.

“This is important because city centres now need more people living and working there to create the numbers needed to support city centre businesses and encourage more shops and other businesses to open up in future.

“Our scheme is aimed at creating a new way of urban working and living – one that connects residents and workers to nature. This has been proven to benefit health and happiness.

“The building will also be powered in a renewable way that will help cut Swansea’s carbon footprint and fight climate change.”

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “Swansea’s £1bn transformation is continuing at pace to create more jobs for local people, support local businesses and raise Swansea’s profile across the UK and beyond for investment.

“Swansea Arena has been completed, the Palace Theatre building has reopened, the Albert Hall has been transformed, and the 71/72 Kingsway office development will soon be open with a number of tenants confirmed and advanced discussions with many other tenants ongoing.

“It’s fantastic news that the groundbreaking, innovative ‘living building’ scheme led by Hacer Developments will be following suit by the end of the summer.

“Our new ‘Y Storfa’ community services hub at the former BHS unit on Oxford Street is due for completion by the end of the year too, and work will soon start to transform Castle Square into a greener destination at the heart of the city centre.”

The ‘living building’ is being funded by a mixture of private sector funding and funding from the Welsh Government’s Innovative Housing Programme, Pobl and the Development Bank of Wales.

#biophilicBuilding #construction #Hacer #livingBuilding #Pobl #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

Housing Association to increase its maintenance and repairs staffing by 50%

This represents an increase of more than 50% on current staffing levels in the dedicated responsive repairs team. 

Pobl says the investment demonstrates its ongoing commitment to delivering “exceptional repairs and maintenance services”, providing a more efficient service and better value for money for customers. 

The new roles cover a variety of trades disciplines including engineers, electricians, roofers and flooring specialists, as well as supervisor and manager’s posts. With recruitment already underway It is anticipated that the new jobs will be rolled out in a phased approach across the 25/26 financial year. 

The Group will also be creating five new apprenticeship posts to help tackle the growing challenge of attracting young people into a trades career, a move aimed at enabling Pobl to safeguard and secure the long-term trades pipeline, creating customer focussed technically skilled tradespeople. 

John Connolly, Director of Trades at Pobl Group, said: “This recruitment drive, and the expansion of our in-house trades team, is an important step forward in enhancing the quality and efficiency of our repairs and maintenance services. It’s a big investment that will enable us to take greater control over the service we offer, ensuring a consistent, high-quality experience for customers.

“We’ve listened to feedback and used it to shape how our repairs and maintenance service will look going forward. Under our new structure, with the expanded team, not only are we aiming to provide an improved service with greater accountability and flexibility, it will also ensure better value for money for customers who want to know that their rent money is being used as efficiently as possible.

“We are particularly excited about the newly created apprenticeships and providing opportunities for young people to develop and grow. It is an exciting time for the Group following the merger between Linc Cymru and Pobl last year. This recruitment drive is an example of the community focussed services and investment programmes made possible by being part of a large but local expanded group providing homes, care and support for the people of Wales.”

Following the successful merger between Linc Cymru and Pobl in 2024 the Group now manages over 24,000 homes, with ambitious plans to deliver more than 4,500 new homes over the next five years, and provides care and support to almost 17,000 individuals.   

#apprentices #electrician #engineers #housingAssociation #Pobl #roofer #trades

Former Police Station to be used to house homeless

The historic, grade-2 listed building on the corner of Alexandra Road and Orchard Street in Swansea city centre is currently owned by social housing organisation, Pobl.

Pobl has owned the building since 2003 which has previously been used for student accommodation.

Now the housing association, working with Swansea Council wants to transform it into 65 rooms for single people or couples who are homeless or at risk of homelessness as temporary accommodation.

Cllr Andrea Lewis, Swansea Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for service transformation said: “This is a great opportunity for the council and Pobl to work together and ease some of the pressures we face with tackling homelessness in Swansea. 

“We will also be able to ensure those being housed within the redeveloped property are supported for any additional needs while they are there, with the aim of moving them into more permanent housing as soon as possible.”

Andrew Vye, Pobl Group executive director for customer and community, said: ”The security a suitable environment provides can allow those who have experienced homelessness to get back on their feet. 

“Homelessness continues to be a challenge across Wales and can impact anyone.”

The council and Pobl recently worked together to transform the nearby Ty Tom Jones on Alexandra Road into temporary accommodation for homeless people.

The council has also redeveloped a former education centre in Uplands to include residential pods for people who need temporary accommodation.

(Lead image: Google Maps)

#homeless #homelessness #Pobl #studentAccommodation #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #TyGlas #TyTomJones