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.

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New train sculpture unveiled in Gowerton celebrates Swansea’s railway heritage

The ironwork installation, designed in the form of the front end of a steam locomotive, now stands at the junction of Sterry Road and Gorwydd Road – the exact site of the former Gowerton South railway station. The station was once part of the London and North Western Railway (LNWR), which operated between 1867 and 1964 and played a key role in the area’s industrial growth.

Part of Active Travel placemaking

The project is the latest artwork commissioned by Swansea Council through the Welsh Government’s Active Travel Placemaking programme, which adds cultural and historic features to walking and cycling routes across the city.

It follows the unveiling of a life‑size horse sculpture along the Clydach canal towpath in 2022, created from more than 800 horseshoes to celebrate the animals that once pulled barges along the waterways.

‘An iconic landmark’

Andrew Stevens, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said the new locomotive sculpture was both a celebration of history and a boost for the community:

“As part of our ongoing active travel plans, we have the opportunity to celebrate our past history and help remind people how many of the city’s communities were shaped by transport services.

The latest sculpture is really impressive and now serves as a fantastic and iconic landmark for the residents of Gowerton and also for visitors. I hope it will receive the same warm praise that the horse sculpture in Clydach has also received.”

New link for walkers and cyclists

The unveiling also marks the completion of a vital active travel link at the current Gowerton train station. The new off‑road route connects the community with Kingsbridge and Gorseinon, giving pedestrians and cyclists a safe way to cross the railway and making it easier to combine cycling with train travel into Swansea city centre.

Cllr Stevens added:

“Gowerton’s current link to our rail transport services plays a huge part in offering locals alternative ways to travel. The newly opened link provides even more opportunities for commuters to mix cycling and rail with their travel plans, while also giving walkers and cyclists a safe option for crossing the station.”

Swansea Council says further walking and cycling routes are being developed across the city to promote sustainable and healthy travel.

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Urban HQ officially opens as Swansea’s new creative hub

The former central police station on Orchard Street has been transformed by regeneration specialists Urban Foundry into a vibrant space offering workspaces, private offices, and event venues.

The project, supported by Shared Prosperity Fund investment allocated by Swansea Council, was officially opened at a special event attended by local businesses, community organisations and civic leaders.

From pop‑up to permanent

Urban HQ began life as a pop‑up café through Urban Foundry’s Pop‑Up Wales initiative, which has delivered almost 100 temporary spaces across South Wales. It has now evolved into a permanent home for values‑driven enterprises, with refurbished rooms including The Idris Room, The Courtroom and The Courtyard Garden.

The hub already houses several creative businesses and hosts events ranging from conferences and training sessions to weddings and community activities. Its café, run by a local chef, has quickly become a popular meeting place serving locally sourced food.

‘A place where ideas can grow’

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, who officially opened the venue, praised the project:

“Urban HQ is about creating opportunities for businesses and ideas to grow. It gives people the space and the support they need to develop their businesses, grow their ideas, and make Swansea thrive.”

Naomi Webborn, Head of Marketing at Dawsons Estate Agents, described the space as capturing “everything that makes our city special: collaboration, creativity, and community.”

Swansea‑born singer‑songwriter and Grand Ambition Co‑Director Steve Balsamo added:

“Spaces like this are essential for a creative city like Swansea, with its deep arts and cultural roots.”

Dr Ben Reynolds, Founding Director of Urban Foundry, said the project was the culmination of years of testing and learning through initiatives such as Pop‑Up Wales:

“We’ve shown that meanwhile spaces can become long‑term catalysts for regeneration. Thanks to Swansea Council’s support, we’ve been able to bring a landmark building back to life and create a place where good ideas and good people can grow together.”

Urban HQ is now open for workspace enquiries, café visitors and event bookings.

🔗 Find out more at urbanhq.co.uk

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