Artist helps celebrate green future of Castle Square as major revamp gets underway

The council says the 15‑metre installation, created by Swansea artist Hasan Kamil and produced with local firm Oner Signs, has been installed on hoardings at the junction of Princess Way and Temple Street.

According to the authority, the digitally composed collage features bees, birds, butterflies and greenery to reflect the nature‑rich design planned for the revamped square.

Swansea Council is now referring to the site as Castle Square Gardens, saying the new name reflects the greening of the space. The square is currently known as Castle Square, but before its 1990s redesign it was historically known as Castle Gardens.

The artwork has gone up as contractor Knights Brown prepares to begin the main phase of construction. The council says detailed preparation work has already taken place behind the hoardings.

Rob Stewart, Swansea Council leader, said the artwork showcases local talent and the ambition behind the wider regeneration programme.

“Hasan and Oner Signs are high‑quality local operators who recognise how important this location’s bright future is to local people. I thank them for their work and expertise,” he said.

“Our greener, more people‑friendly Castle Square Gardens will be a vital element in our ongoing £1bn regeneration programme for Swansea. It will be a modern, functional and well maintained public space that can accommodate a range of events and cultural experiences.”

The council says the new square will include two pavilion buildings for food, drink or retail, one with an accessible green roof. Plans also include new lawns, biodiverse planting, a water feature for interactive play, a giant TV screen above a bandstand‑style space, and new seating, lighting and paving.

Elliott King, cabinet member for culture, human rights and equalities, said the artwork helps improve the look of the city centre during construction.

“This excellent new public art transforms the visual impact of a construction site, brightens the streets and makes the city centre a more pleasant place to visit,” he said.

“It’s an engaging artwork that increases creativity in the public domain, demonstrates local artistic excellence and inspires positivity. We plan to install public art on other development site hoardings.”

Hasan, who grew up in Swansea and has previously produced work for Swansea City AFC, Swansea University and Olchfa School, said he was pleased to be involved.

“I’m delighted to contribute to the streetscape in a way that reflects the exciting, greener future of Castle Square Gardens,” he said.

Oner Signs, which has operated in Swansea for 30 years, said it was proud to support the project.

Ronny Oner, speaking on behalf of the business, said:

“It’s great to have been involved in this public art project that helps illustrate how our city centre is evolving – and how Swansea is full of creative talent.”

The council says the existing leaf‑boat sculpture has been removed for safe storage while discussions continue with the artist about a new location, with Cwmdonkin Park among the options.

Safety hoardings now surround the site, but the council says all surrounding streets, footways and businesses remain open. The authority also points to nearby private‑sector schemes, including new homes and commercial units in the former Castle Cinema and the McDonald’s building.

Leaf Boat sculpture removed from Castle Square as major redevelopment moves ahead

Sculpture taken into storage ahead of relocation

A photo taken this week by local resident Chris Westhead shows the sculpture and fountain gone, with fencing and construction equipment now dominating the site.

A Swansea Council spokesperson said: “The leaf sculpture has been carefully removed and stored. “It will be given a new home in another Swansea location, with the artist being consulted as options are explored.”

Council previously set out plans for removal

The council previously said the sculpture would be taken down and stored while discussions took place with artist Amber Hiscott about a new permanent location. Cwmdonkin Park was identified as one of the options under consideration.

The removal formed part of the early works for the wider redevelopment, which aims to make Castle Square greener, more accessible and more flexible for events.

Part of wider £1bn regeneration

In earlier statements, Cllr Robert Francis‑Davies, cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, described Castle Square as a “pivotal location” in Swansea’s £1bn regeneration programme.

He said the new design would create “a fantastic place to meet, spend quality time and enjoy public events and gatherings”, complementing improvements already underway in Wind Street, Y Storfa, the former Castle Cinema and the McDonald’s building.

Businesses around the square will remain open throughout the works.

Background on the Leaf Boat

The Leaf Boat sculpture was created by Swansea artist Amber Hiscott, inspired by Dylan Thomas’s poetry and the changing light over Swansea Bay. It was installed in 1996 after she won a council competition to design a public artwork for the square.

The contractor carrying out the removal, DAR Design, is the same firm that originally manufactured the sculpture in collaboration with the artist.

What the new Castle Square will include

The redevelopment will see Castle Square undergo a major redesign, with two new pavilion buildings introduced for food, drink or retail use. The council says the amount of greenery will increase significantly, rising from around a quarter of the site to more than 40%, with new lawns, ornamental planting and biodiverse landscaping creating a much softer, more welcoming environment.

A new ground‑level water feature is planned to replace the former fountain, designed for interactive play and flexible use during events. The scheme also includes a giant screen mounted above a bandstand‑style structure, along with new seating areas and improved public space throughout the square.

According to the council, the aim is to create a greener, more accessible and more versatile public space at the heart of the city centre, with work expected to continue into late 2026.

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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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Council promises “dazzling” Fire and Ice Festival in Swansea city centre

Ice and fire promised for city streets

According to Swansea Council, visitors will be able to follow a trail of ice sculptures, step inside a giant snow globe on Portland Street, and try interactive ice carving. Fire and ice shows are scheduled for St David’s Place, with fire performers lighting up Oxford Street. Families are told to expect roaming snowmen and characters from Disney’s Frozen, while the “Caroler’s Cabin” will host choirs and musicians.

Ice trail clues and performance timings released

A promotional map published by Swansea Council shows nine ice sculptures will be hidden across the city centre, each linked to a festive clue. Locations include Princess Way, Oxford Street, the Quadrant, Wind Street, and Castle Square.

Interactive ice carving is scheduled for Portland Street between 11:30am and 3:30pm, while a giant snow globe will be open from 10am to 5pm.

Fire and Ice shows are planned for St David’s Place at 1:30pm, 3pm and 4:30pm, with additional fire performances on Oxford Street at 12pm, 2pm and 3:30pm.

Trail maps will be available at Swansea Market, Costa Coffee branches, and the new central library at Y Storfa.

Music line‑up released by organisers

The council has published a full programme of performers, ranging from community choirs to swing bands, with sets scheduled across Saturday and Sunday. Maps for the ice trail will be available at Swansea Market, Costa Coffee branches on Whitewalls and Oxford Street, and the new central library at the Y Storfa development.

Festival part of wider Christmas programme

Council leader Rob Stewart said the festival was part of efforts to make this “the best Swansea Christmas ever,” following the return of the city’s Christmas Parade. Other attractions promoted by the council include the Christmas Market on Oxford Street and Portland Street until December 22, Mistletoe and Markets on December 13–14, and Waterfront Winterland at Museum Park until January 4.

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Woman jailed after arson at Swansea McDonald’s

A 39‑year‑old woman has been sentenced to prison after a series of offences in Swansea city centre, including setting fire to a table inside McDonald’s at Castle Square.

Leah Hocking, of no fixed abode, entered the fast‑food restaurant on 4 March and lit paper napkins and other items on her table with a cigarette lighter. Staff used wet towels to extinguish the flames while customers moved away from the disturbance.

During the same incident, Hocking stole a mobile phone from a 16‑year‑old boy. The court heard the teenager, already wary of visiting the city centre, was left even more reluctant to return after the ordeal. He told the court he no longer felt able to visit McDonald’s, which he had previously regarded as a treat.

Hocking also shouted and swore at staff, spat at walls, and swung a chair after the victim demanded his phone back. When police arrived, she resisted arrest and kicked out at an officer.

On the same day, she caused damage at a nearby coffee shop after blocking the doorway, “ranting” at staff and spitting on the door.

Hocking pleaded guilty to arson, theft, assaulting an emergency worker and criminal damage under £5,000. She was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court last week to six months in prison.

PC Abbi Crocker of South Wales Police said:

“Leah Hocking’s behaviour was mindless and she did not care whether she caused harm to herself or to others. That kind of irresponsible and anti‑social behaviour is not at all welcome on the streets of Swansea.”

The court was told Hocking had three previous convictions and was on licence at the time of the offences. Her barrister said her recent offending was linked to substance misuse and a decline in her mental health, but that she had shown progress while on remand, completing courses and securing a job offer.

Judge Catherine Richards said Hocking’s actions had affected “people of all ages” and noted the offences were aggravated by being committed while on licence. She acknowledged her mental health difficulties and the support available to her, but said a custodial sentence was necessary.

With time already served on remand, Hocking is expected to be released soon.

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Swansea Central Library prepares for move to Y Storfa

Swansea Council has confirmed that all library services at the Civic Centre will close on Monday, October 20, with the new Y Storfa facility due to open several weeks later. The exact opening date will be announced soon.

Around 60,000 books and other items are being carefully packed for the move, including 5,000 historic and modern maps, 3,500 microfilm reels, 4,000 picture books, 2,200 graphic novels, and accessible materials such as large‑print, audiobooks, dyslexia‑friendly titles and Braille.

New facilities at Y Storfa

The new Central Library will feature a glass‑fronted children’s library with thousands of books, a sensory wall, interactive games, and a retro gaming area for older children. Board games for families and adults will also be available.

Visitors will be able to access physical newspapers such as the South Wales Evening Post, bound archives, and hundreds of digital titles via the library’s Press Reader and Borrowbox services. Historic newspapers will also be available online through subscription resources and the National Library of Wales.

Temporary arrangements

Swansea’s 16 community libraries will remain open during the transition, although public PCs will be unavailable on October 22 and 23 due to maintenance. Borrowed items can be returned to branch libraries, and online services will remain available 24/7.

Part of city centre regeneration

Y Storfa is part of Swansea Council’s £1bn regeneration programme and will pave the way for the redevelopment of the Civic Centre site.

Cllr Elliott King, cabinet member for culture, Swansea Council, said: “Y Storfa will give residents a modern, welcoming Central Library at the heart of the city centre. It’s good to see that preparations for the move are well underway.”

Cllr Rob Stewart, leader of Swansea Council, said: “Y Storfa will create a central hub where people can learn, access support and come together. It’ll create footfall for city centre businesses and will further boost Swansea’s regeneration.”

More than a library

Alongside the Central Library, Y Storfa will also house the West Glamorgan Archive Service, Housing Options and Housing Services, the council’s contact centre, lifelong learning, and revenue and benefits teams.

Non‑council tenants will include Careers Wales, Citizens Advice Neath Port Talbot, and Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library.

The project has been supported by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.

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Housing services set to join Y Storfa community hub in city centre

The move will see both services join a growing list of community-focused organisations based at Y Storfa, the council’s flagship hub currently taking shape in the former BHS unit on Oxford Street.

Services to remain open during transition

The council has confirmed that Housing Options and Housing Support will continue operating from their current High Street base until the relocation takes place. Once the move is complete, both services will be available at Y Storfa without interruption.

Cllr Andrea Williams, Swansea Council’s Joint Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Service Transformation, said the new hub would offer a more accessible and joined-up experience for residents.

“The Y Storfa development on Oxford Street will be a modern, accessible hub that brings a range of community services together under one roof in the heart of Swansea,” she said.

“It’s been designed to make it easier for residents to get the help they need, all in one convenient location.”

An opening date for Y Storfa — and the final day of operations at the High Street office — will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Supporting residents at risk of homelessness

The Housing Options service focuses on preventing homelessness wherever possible. It offers advice and practical support to help people remain in their homes or find suitable alternative accommodation.

The Housing Support service provides free, housing-related support to anyone aged 16 and over living in Swansea. This includes help with budgeting, benefits, rent arrears, setting up home, accessing education or work, and addressing issues such as domestic abuse or substance misuse.

Part of a wider regeneration

Y Storfa is one of several major projects forming part of Swansea’s £1bn city centre regeneration. The hub will also house Swansea Central Library, the West Glamorgan Archive Service, Citizens Advice, Careers Wales, and the council’s customer contact centre.

The development is supported by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme and aims to bring services together in a central, accessible location close to public transport, cycle routes and parking.

For more information about the Y Storfa scheme and the services relocating there, visit www.swansea.gov.uk/ystorfa.

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New coworking hub opens in Princess Quarter as regeneration reshapes Swansea city centre

Collective by Kartay launches in Princess Way

Award-winning developer Kartay has officially launched Collective by Kartay, a premium serviced office, coworking and meeting space within the redeveloped Princess Quarter on Princess Way.

The £multi-million refurbishment has transformed the 15,000 sq ft building into a landmark commercial hub, with 5,000 sq ft of flexible workspace, meeting rooms with panoramic views, and a rooftop terrace. It is the first Grade A office and meeting space of its kind in Swansea, offering facilities more commonly associated with London developments.

Ian Morgan, Managing Director at Kartay, said: “We set out to deliver more than just workspaces. We wanted to create a business destination that changes the way people perceive Swansea.”

Part of a wider regeneration story

The opening comes as the area around Castle Square undergoes major transformation. Directly opposite Princess Quarter, the former BHS store is being redeveloped into ‘Y Storfa’, which will house Swansea’s new main library and archives. Meanwhile, the McDonald’s building on Oxford Street — also owned by Kartay — is set for a major renovation, with plans to create high-quality residential apartments above the retail unit.

Kartay is also behind other prominent city centre projects, including Princess House, a 10-storey office tower, and retail-to-residential redevelopments on Oxford Street. The company says its investments are helping to reshape Swansea into a modern, mixed-use city centre that supports both business and community life.

Boost for business and investment

The launch of Collective by Kartay is being positioned as a turning point for Swansea’s commercial offer, providing high-specification space for entrepreneurs, small teams and remote professionals. With concierge-style support, flexible terms and luxury amenities, the development aims to attract both local businesses and inward investment.

The project builds on Swansea’s wider regeneration programme, which includes the £135m Copr Bay development, the ongoing Castle Square Gardens revamp, and new cultural and residential schemes across the city.

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New images reveal greener, more vibrant future for Swansea’s Castle Square

Swansea Council says the redesign will see more than 40% of the square landscaped with greenery, alongside two new pavilion‑style buildings for cafés, restaurants or retail, a green‑roof terrace with public access, interactive water features, and a bandstand‑style stage topped with a large screen.

Contractor Knights Brown is currently on site carrying out enabling works, with completion expected by late 2026.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said:

“These new images give us the clearest view yet of the greener, more welcoming Castle Square we’re creating for Swansea.

For years, people have told us they want to see more greenery, more activity and more reasons to spend time in the square — and this transformation will deliver just that.

It will bring more life back into the heart of the city centre, support our local businesses and create a place for events, relaxation and community spirit.”

Castle Square through the centuries

Medieval origins
Part of the Anglo‑Norman settlement around Swansea Castle in the 11th–13th centuries, the area was laid out in long, narrow burgage plots and saw repeated Welsh attacks in 1116 and 1150.

19th–early 20th century
Home to the Ben Evans department store — the “Harrods of Wales” — and the town’s original market, symbolising Swansea’s commercial wealth.

WWII devastation
The Three‑Night Blitz of February 1941 destroyed most buildings in the square, including Ben Evans, with significant loss of life.

Post‑war gardens
In 1953, the site became a memorial garden with lawns, paths and flowerbeds to commemorate bombing victims.

1990s redesign
Green space was replaced with a harder, more urban layout, criticised for lacking atmosphere.

2020s revitalisation
Swansea Council’s current project will restore greenery, add water features, and create a flexible, event‑friendly public space.

Part of wider regeneration

The Castle Square project is a key element of Swansea’s £1 billion regeneration programme, which also includes major works at The Kingsway, Y Storfa, the former Castle Cinema and the McDonald’s building on Castle Street.

Preparatory works over the past year have included:

• Underground power line upgrades to support the new design
• Removal and safe storage of the Leaf Boat sculpture ahead of relocation
• Installation of hoardings with public access maintained around the site
• Opportunities for local businesses to bid for work packages

The new images will soon be displayed on hoardings around the site. All surrounding businesses remain open during the works.

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Local businesses invited to explore work opportunities at Castle Square transformation

As hoardings rise and fencing wraps around the city centre landmark, the long-awaited transformation of Castle Square is officially underway. The multi-million pound project, led by Swansea Council and delivered by contractor Knights Brown, promises to turn the tired public space into a vibrant, greener destination — and now, local businesses are being offered a chance to get involved.

A Meet the Buyer event will take place at the Swansea.com Stadium on Friday 18 July, from 9.30am to midday, giving contractors and suppliers the opportunity to learn more about the work packages available. Organised in partnership with Business Wales, the event will highlight opportunities in stone masonry, paving, landscaping, carpentry, waterproofing, lighting, drainage, steelwork, and more — including the installation of a new interactive water feature, green roofs, and a giant TV screen above a bandstand-style facility.

The Castle Square scheme is part of Swansea’s £1bn regeneration programme, which includes major developments at The Kingsway, Y Storfa, and the former Castle Cinema. Planning permission for the square’s redesign was granted following extensive public consultation, with residents calling for more greenery, better seating, and a space that could host events and gatherings.

The new design will introduce 40% green space, with lawns, ornamental planting, and biodiverse landscaping. Two pavilion buildings are planned to house food, drink, or retail businesses, helping to activate the square and encourage longer visits. The Leaf Boat sculpture, inspired by Dylan Thomas’s poetry, has already been carefully removed and placed in storage while a new permanent home is considered.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, said the project reflects the council’s commitment to supporting local jobs and businesses:

“We know local residents and businesses want Castle Square to be greatly improved. It’s also important that local businesses have the opportunity to benefit from construction work of this kind and that we keep as much spending as possible in the Swansea economy.”

Preparatory work has included underground power line upgrades and ground condition testing4. Temporary fencing and hoardings now surround the site, with pedestrian access maintained on surrounding streets including Caer Street, Castle Bailey Street, Princess Way and Temple Street. Bus routes and the Caer Street taxi rank remain unchanged, and all businesses in the area are trading as normal.

Castle Square has long been a focal point in Swansea’s civic life. Once home to the Ben Evans department store, the site was devastated during the Three Nights’ Blitz in 1941 and later redeveloped as a public garden and memorial. The current layout, introduced in the 1990s, has been criticised for its lack of greenery and atmosphere — something the new scheme aims to address.

The transformation is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with the square set to become a hub for public events, social gatherings, and city centre vitality.

For more information or to book a space at the Meet the Buyer event, visit the Business Wales event page.

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Castle Square work to start as hoardings go up around site

Swansea Council say the temporary barrier will keep the public safe during the work. It’ll feature details of the work being carried out along with direction signs.

During the work, pedestrians – including those with mobility challenges – will still be able to use the footways immediately outside the square, on Caer Street, Castle Bailey Street, Princess Way and Temple Street.

Some adjustments will be made to these areas to ensure that the hoardings can remain in place throughout the construction work.

Vehicle movement is unchanged as are bus routes. The Caer Street taxi rank will remain in place for those enjoying nights out in neighbouring areas such as Wind Street.

Supplier access will be maintained for businesses. Disability access to shops will be maintained. All businesses in the area will be trading as normal.

Council leader Rob Stewart said: “These are exciting times for Castle Square and the rest of Swansea as our £1bn city regeneration programme continues.

“The square will be closed for the duration of the work to maintain safety – but the immediate neighbouring footways, roads and businesses will remain open and accessible.

“We’ll ask our contractors to keep disruption to a minimum and will have ongoing discussions with them during the work.

“I thank everybody for their understanding as we move ahead with this important work.”

The council says it’s considering options for the future installation of temporary public art on the red hoardings – as has happened on the boards around nearby Y Storfa.

Main work is expected to start on its transformation in July and is due to be completed towards the end of next year. The council say it will see today’s tired-looking Castle Square become greener and more welcoming to all.

The transformation will include the addition of two pavilion buildings for food, drink or retail businesses – one with an accessible green roof and an increase in the amount of other greenery, including new lawns, ornamental and biodiverse planting to provide an area with 40% green space.

It’ll also include a new water feature for interactive play, a new giant TV screen above a bandstand-style facility along with new outdoor seating areas and the retention of public use space.

Council cabinet member Robert Francis Davies said: “Our new-look Castle Square Gardens will be a fantastic place to meet, spend quality time and enjoy public events and gatherings.

“This multi-million pound project will complement regeneration work already carried out – or underway now – in neighbouring locations such as Wind Street, Y Storfa, the former Castle Cinema and the McDonald’s building.

“We thank the public for their understanding as we look to start the main work.”

#CastleSquare #CastleSquareGardens #CllrRobStewart #CllrRobertFrancisDavies #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

Leaf sculpture to go as Castle Square work takes step forward 

Swansea Council say preparatory work already carried out on site includes the re-laying of high-voltage cables to reflect the square’s future design.

The next step will be the removal of the Leaf Boat sculpture, which the council say will happen in the next few days.

The sculpture, which currently sits at the top of the square’s central water feature, will be put into safe storage while the council, in liaison with others including the sculptor, decides on a future Swansea location for the artwork.

The council says it intends to find a new permanent home for the sculpture, reflecting its links to poet Dylan Thomas with Cwmdonkin Park one of a number of locations under consideration.

Main work is expected to start on Castle Square’s transformation in the weeks after the sculpture’s removal, with all businesses in the area trading as normal.

Swansea Council Council cabinet member Robert Francis Davies said: “It’s great to see work moving ahead at this pivotal location; our new-look Castle Square Gardens will be a fantastic place to meet, spend quality time and enjoy public events and gatherings.

“This multi-million pound project will be part of our ongoing £1bn regeneration of Swansea; it’ll complement work already carried out – or underway now – in neighbouring locations such as Wind Street, Y Storfa, the former Castle Cinema and the McDonald’s building.

“We thank the public for their understanding as we work to finalise plans and look to start the main work.

“The Leaf Boat sculpture will be stored safely for future use in Swansea.”

The glass and steel sculpture was created by artist Amber Hiscott, inspired by lines of Dylan Thomas’s poetry and the way light reflects off Swansea Bay. She won a council competition to create a sculpture for the square and it was installed in 1996.

The South Wales contractor undertaking the item’s removal – DAR Design – is the same business that manufactured the sculpture in collaboration with the artist.

Main work on the new-look Castle Square is due to be completed towards the end of next year, which the council say will see today’s tired-looking Castle Square become greener and more welcoming to all.

#CastleSquare #CastleSquareGardens #CllrRobertFrancisDavies #featured #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

Visit to explore new future for landmark Swansea building

Plans for the building include 30 new apartments and new commercial units, thanks to a project led by local non-profit Beacon Cymru in partnership with contractors Easyliving Ltd.

In the building’s main elevation facing Worcester Place and the castle, a new commercial unit over two storeys will be created for a café/restaurant type use.

A new glazed box is proposed to overlook the castle and open space.

Intended to accommodate small-scale office use, other new commercial units will include the lower part of the building that fronts on to the Strand.

As well as a cinema, the building was also home to Lazerzone for many years before its relocation to the former Iceland unit on St David’s Place.

Swansea Council says it has supported Laserzone by granting the business a temporary lease for the unit, pending the regeneration of the overall former St David’s Shopping Centre site in the longer-term.

The council is also supporting the Castle Cinema building project via Welsh Government Transforming Towns funding.

Council Leader Rob Stewart recently visited the building with Cabinet Member Cyril Anderson.

Cllr Stewart said: “Many local people will have fond memories of time spent in the former Castle Cinema building. I can remember watching Star Trek 4: The Voyage Home there in the 1980s, and I also visited in the 1990s to play Laserzone.

“The building is a Swansea landmark and this exciting scheme led by Beacon Cymru and Easyliving Ltd means it’s set for a new lease of life.

“The project will also complement our plans to transform Castle Square into a greener, more welcoming space in a further boost for the city centre.”

Luke Takeuchi, Beacon Cymru Deputy Chief Executive, said: “We’re hugely excited about the Castle Cinema building project.

“It’s a great example of collaborative working for a scheme that will make the area more vibrant, while also helping tackle the housing crisis by providing a mix of one and two-bed apartments.”

Stephanie Hughes, Operations Manager at Easyliving Ltd, said: “We’re looking to start on site in the coming weeks and expect the project to take about 27 months to complete.

“It’s a really positive time for Swansea city centre with so much regeneration happening, so we’re delighted to be part of its ongoing transformation.”

Led by Swansea Council, work to transform Castle Square will start this summer.

The scheme will include feature a substantial increase in green space, a new water feature for interactive play, new outdoor seating areas, a giant new TV screen above a bandstand facility, the retention of public use space and two new pavilion buildings for food, drink or retail businesses.

#BeaconCymru #CastleCinema #CastleSquare #CllrRobStewart #EasylivingLtd #regeneration #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

Amazing memorabilia unearthed at former Cinema due for redevelopment

Castle Cinema, up until recently has been home to Laserzone – a live action laser game played with special effects, fog, laserbeams and pulse pumping music.

After Laserzone’s relocation to the city centre’s former Iceland store, the building has been cleared revealing evidence if its earlier life as a cinema.

Built in 1913, Castle Cinema was the only building left standing after the blitz during the Nazi’s bombing raids in World War II.

The building was modernised in 1963, however it’s long decline started in the 1970s when it became notorious for showing soft core porn films.

It had a short-lived new lease of life in 1982. The acquisition of Cardiff-based Circle Cinema saw it show Hollywood blockbusters once again.

The cinema’s days were numbered once the neighbouring UCI cinema, now Odeon, in Parc Tawe opened in 1988. The last film shown was “Doc Hollywood” with Michael J Fox in 1991.

Workers have since discovered a treasure trove of cinema memorabilia in the now-empty building, including film posters, cinema equipment and even the old loveseat!

Led by local non-profit housing association Beacon Cymru, formally known as Coastal Housing, work will soon start to give the building a new future.

In partnership with contractors Easy Living Ltd, plans include 30 new apartments and two separate areas for commercial use.

The lower part of the building that fronts on to the Strand is intended to accommodate small scale office use and – in the main elevation facing Worcester Place and the castle – a new commercial unit over two storeys is being created that anticipates a café/restaurant type use.

A new glazed box is proposed that will form part of this unit and front onto the castle and open space.

The scheme is being supported by Swansea Council via Welsh Government funding.

Developers say the scheme has been sensitively designed in recognition of its architectural and historic importance, and aims to preserve as many of the original features as possible, while identifying sustainable uses that will ensure its long-term preservation as a key building in the city.

The council say they will also soon be starting work to revamp the nearby Castle Square into a greener and more welcoming space.

Do you remember watching films at Castle Cinema? Let us know below!

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

#BeaconCymru #CastleCinema #CastleSquare #CastleSquareGardens #CastleStreet #CoastalHousing #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

Plans revealed for new flats at city centre McDonalds site

The proposals by local development group Kartay for 1 Oxford Street involve remodelling the empty third and fourth floors of the five-story building and building a five-story extension.

Developer say the proposed refurbishment will provide 29 apartments to the upper floors, including 16 one-bedroom flats and 13 two-bedroom flats. 

The existing McDonalds will remain, although its layout will change, with the second floor being redeveloped and the take-away chain using some of the basement level instead.

Developers say level wheelchair access will be maintained to the McDonalds and Taco Bell restaurants at their current entrance locations on the ground floor, with level access to the new retail unit on the ground floor of the proposed extension.

The proposed development will also include a small retail unit, cycle storage, substation and bin stores for the apartments, restaurant units and Castle Gardens development on the ground floor, with ancillary plant room space to the basement.

Planning consultants Asbri have released a pre-planning consultation that runs until 17 January, after which a planning application will be submitted to the council for consideration.

The development is opposite Swansea Council’s emerging Y Storfa, the new home for its library and archive service along with other partners in the former BHS store.

Castle Square itself is also due a major makeover, with preparatory works having already begun on its green transformation. 

(Lead image: Asbri / Kartay)

#apartments #CastleSquare #featured #KartayHoldings #newHomes #OxfordStreet #Swansea

All the exciting plans for Swansea in 2025 that form part of £1bn regeneration programme

Led by Swansea Council and due to start in early 2025, work to transform Castle Square will feature an increase in green space including lawns and planting.

A new water feature for interactive play will also be included, along with new outdoor seating areas, a TV screen above a bandstand facility, the retention of public use space and two pavilion buildings for food, drink or retail businesses.

Developed by Swansea Council and part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal and Welsh European Funding Office, the new office scheme at 71/72 The Kingsway will be complete in early 2025.

Due to provide space for 600 jobs in sectors like tech and digital, more than 75 per cent of the office space is now under offer and tenants will start to be announced from next month.

Construction work is also anticipated to start next year on a public sector hub at the former Saint David’s Shopping Centre site as part of a partnership between the council and regeneration specialist Urban Splash. Hundreds of council workers and other public sector staff will work there once the building is complete.

Meanwhile, at the former Debenhams unit, talks with a number of prospective retail and other tenants are continuing at pace.

The Y Storfa community hub at the former BHS unit on Oxford Street will also open in 2025. It will include some council services, the city’s main public library, the Swansea office of Careers Wales, the Welsh Glamorgan Archive Service, Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot, the South Wales Miners Library and other public services.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council leader, said:

“We know how important Swansea city centre is for local residents and the people who work there.

“The council isn’t responsible for setting business rates and attracting shops to buildings we don’t own, but what we can do is to help create a city centre where thousands more people live and work.

“That will then create the footfall that’s needed there to safeguard our existing businesses and attract more shops and other businesses in future, helping to tackle challenges like online shopping.

“This is why office schemes like 71/72 The Kingsway and the public sector hub are so important.

“The private sector is also heavily investing in Swansea, with major schemes like Princess Quarter and the biophilic building also due for completion in 2025, supported by plans to bring the Mond Buildings on Union Street back into us and the opening of the Cosy Club at the Exchange Buildings in the Maritime Quarter.

“These projects and many others will add to everything that’s been achieved in recent years which includes the opening of Swansea Arena and the reopening of both the Albert Hall and the Palace Theatre building.

“It’s all part of our commitment to create a thriving city centre and generate more jobs and opportunities for local people.”

A planning application from Skyline Enterprises is also likely to be determined next year which – subject to approval – would lead to a new outdoor leisure destination on Kilvey Hill.

Other progress will include the council continuing to work with the Ospreys to achieve their ambition of playing at St Helens from the 2025-26 season.

Construction work on a new hotel could start in Swansea by the end of 2025 on land between the arena and the LC, and plans are also in place to improve the entrances to Swansea’s award-winning indoor market.

Work to strengthen and improve the sea defences in Mumbles is also due for completion in 2025.

Other council-led projects that will see progress in 2025 include work to bring the grade II-listed laboratory building at Hafod-Morfa Copperworks back to life.

[Lead image Swansea Council]

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