Opening date confirmed for Swansea’s new Y Storfa hub

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

“Firm opening date before Christmas”

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

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

Services under one roof

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

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

Wider regeneration

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

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

Backed by Welsh Government

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

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

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

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

Thousands of items set for relocation

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

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

Safeguarding centuries of local history

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

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

He added:

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

Service continues during the transition

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

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

A new home in the heart of the city

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

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

Looking ahead

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

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

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

#archives #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #WestGlamorganArchiveService #YStorfa

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.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Housing services set to join Y Storfa community hub in city centre
Council confirms housing teams will relocate to the new hub alongside the library.

Fly-through video reveals first look at Swansea’s new Y Storfa community hub
A virtual tour shows how the landmark development will look once complete.

Swansea Central Library preparing for move to Y Storfa hub
Staff begin the process of packing thousands of items ahead of the relocation.

Y Storfa community hub takes shape in Swansea city centre
Construction progresses on the £1bn regeneration project opposite Castle Square.

#BHS #CastleSquare #CentralLibrary #CentralLibraryMove #CentralLibraryRelocation #CivicCentre #CllrElliottKing #CllrRobStewart #Library #Swansea #SwanseaCentralLibrary #SwanseaCouncil #YStorfa

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.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea Central Library preparing for move to Y Storfa hub
Swansea’s main library service is set to relocate to the new city centre community hub later this year.

Fly-through video reveals first look at Swansea’s new Y Storfa community hub
A new video offers a glimpse inside the Y Storfa development, showing how services will be brought together.

Y Storfa community hub takes shape in Swansea city centre
Construction continues at the former BHS site as Swansea’s new multi-service hub nears completion.

Pupils add colour to new Swansea development
Local schoolchildren have contributed artwork to brighten up the Y Storfa site during construction.

#callCentre #CareersWales #CastleSquare #CitizensAdvice #ContactCentre #HighStreet #homelessness #housing #HousingOptions #HousingSupport #OxfordStreet #Swansea #SwanseaCentralLibrary #SwanseaCityCentre #SwanseaCouncil #TransformingTowns #WestGlamorganArchiveService #YStorfa

Pupils add colour to new Swansea development

The pupils – from the school’s Ty Dyfatty campus – recently visited the Y Storfa development taking shape in Swansea city centre where they contributed to the painting work taking place inside.

Delivered by Swansea Council, the Y Storfa community service hub at the former BHS unit on Oxford Street is due to open later this year.

It will include council services such as a new central library, the contact centre, Housing Options, Housing Support, lifelong learning, revenue and benefits, and the West Glamorgan Archive Service.

Non-council tenants at Y Storfa are set to include Careers Wales, Citizens Advice and Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library.

Working alongside local company Swansea Decorating Services, the Ysgol Calon Lân visit was organised by main Y Storfa contractor Kier Group as part of their community benefits programme.

Kier Group are a School Valued Partner of Careers Wales. The visit was part of an ongoing programme of activities to provide pupils with careers and work-related experiences.

School teaching staff were also in attendance, alongside representatives of Careers Wales.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said:

“Y Storfa will soon be a place for the whole community, so it’s fantastic that pupils from Ysgol Calon Lân have been directly involved in shaping it.

“Their contribution has not only added colour to the building but also demonstrates the power of regeneration to create opportunities for learning and community pride.

“We’re grateful to Kier, Careers Wales and Swansea Decorating Services for making this happen.”

Teachers from Ysgol Calon Lân praised the project for boosting confidence and providing an enriching experience outside the classroom.

Mark Saunders, of Ysgol Calon Lân, said:

“This hands-on experience gave my students a valuable opportunity to learn outside the classroom, developing new skills in a real-world setting.

“The staff at the placement were incredibly welcoming and engaged with my students, making the day both enjoyable and educational.

“I’d like to extend a big thank you to everyone involved for supporting our learners and helping make this project a success.”

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

“At Kier, we’re committed to leaving a lasting legacy in the communities where we work – and this is a great example of local engagement and impact.

“Inviting Ysgol Calon Lân pupils to Y Storfa has been a real highlight of the project.

“The pupils brought fantastic enthusiasm and a vibrant energy to the site, and we’re delighted they could play a part in helping prepare this outstanding new development for Swansea.”

Andrea John, Business Engagement Adviser at Careers Wales, said:

“Involving the pupils in the development of Y Storfa is a fantastic way of exposing them to the world of work, especially as part of the School Valued Partnership activity with Kier Group.

“Enriching experiences like this help pupils to connect what they learn in school with real-life opportunities.

“It’s fantastic to see the pupils’ creativity leaving a mark on such an important development for Swansea.”

Funders for the Y Storfa development include the Welsh Government Transforming Towns programme.

Head here for more information about Y Storfa, including FAQs.

[Lead image: Swansea Council]

#CareersWales #CitizensAdvice #KierGroup #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaUniversityMinersLibrary #TyDyfatty #YStorfa

Fly-through video reveals first look at Swansea’s new Y Storfa community hub

A major regeneration project is taking shape in the heart of Swansea city centre, with the former BHS store on Oxford Street being transformed into Y Storfa, a modern community services hub.

The scheme, led by Swansea Council with Kier Group as main contractor, will bring together a wide range of facilities under one roof. Alongside a new central library, Y Storfa will also host the council’s contact centre, Housing Options, revenues and benefits, lifelong learning, and the West Glamorgan Archive Service.

Non-council tenants will include Careers Wales, Citizens Advice, and Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library, making the building a one‑stop destination for learning, advice and community support.

First look inside

The newly released CGI fly-through highlights the building’s striking exterior and welcoming internal spaces. Viewers are given a first glimpse of the main reception, children’s library, open‑plan library, contact centre, meeting rooms, and a modern conference and events space.

The design also includes accessible lifts to every floor, ensuring the hub is fully inclusive.

Earlier this year, Swansea Bay News published exclusive photos showing the progress of the build (Inside Y Storfa), while a previous update charted how the scheme was taking shape on site (Y Storfa community hub takes shape).

Library move from Civic Centre

To prepare for the relocation, Swansea’s central library at the Civic Centre will close from Monday 20 October. Staff will use the closure period to transfer collections and set up the new facility.

As reported by Swansea Bay News last month (Central Library preparing for move), the move marks the end of an era for the Civic Centre site, which is earmarked for future redevelopment.

“A place where people can come together”

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said the project is part of the city’s wider £1bn regeneration programme.

“Swansea city centre needs more footfall to support its existing traders and help attract new shops and other businesses in future.

“Y Storfa will 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. By bringing services like the library, archives, Housing Options and others together under one roof, it’ll make life easier for many residents and create opportunities for people of all ages.”

Linked to wider regeneration

The development is located close to car parks, bus stops and cycle routes, making it easily accessible. An official opening date will be announced soon.

Cllr Stewart added that the move will also pave the way for the redevelopment of the Civic Centre site on the waterfront, with regeneration partners Urban Splash currently working on proposals.

Funding for Y Storfa includes support from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.

Related articles

• Swansea Central Library preparing for move to Y Storfa hub
• Y Storfa community hub takes shape in Swansea city centre
• Inside Y Storfa: Photos show progress at community hub

#archives #BHS #callCentre #CareersWales #CentralLibrary #CentralLibraryMove #CentralLibraryRelocation #CitizensAdvice #CitizensAdviceCymru #CivicCentre #CllrRobStewart #ContactCentre #featured #HousingOptions #KierGroup #OxfordStreet #PrincessWay #regeneration #SouthWalesMinersMuseum #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #TransformingTowns #WestGlamorganArchiveService #YStorfa

Swansea Central Library preparing for move to Y Storfa hub

Swansea’s Central Library is set to leave its long‑time home at the Civic Centre next month, with the council confirming the building will close from Monday 20 October ahead of a move to Y Storfa, the new community services hub being developed in the former BHS unit on Oxford Street.

The authority says more than 60,000 books, along with maps, microfilm reels and other resources, will be packed up and transferred to the new site. The library at Y Storfa is due to open later this year, although the exact date has not yet been announced.

Preparing for the move

During the transition, library members will still be able to use Swansea’s 16 other community libraries. Borrowed items can be returned at those branches, while online services such as eBooks, audiobooks and digital magazines will remain available around the clock.

Events including rhyme time, reading groups and digital support sessions will also continue at community libraries. Memberships will automatically transfer to the new Central Library, and loan periods will be extended to support customers during the closure.

📚 What is Y Storfa?

A new community hub:
Y Storfa is being developed in the former BHS unit on Oxford Street as a multi‑purpose community services hub.

What it offers:
The council says it will promote community cohesion, digital inclusion, wellbeing and opportunities for learning and growth across Swansea’s diverse communities.

Services under one roof:
Confirmed tenants include Swansea’s new Central Library, the West Glamorgan Archive Service, the council’s customer services centre, Housing Options, revenue and benefits, Careers Wales and Citizens Advice.

Flexible spaces:
The hub will also provide agile accommodation for third sector groups, public bodies and private companies that share its community ethos, with collaborative office space designed to support local initiatives.

Part of regeneration:
Y Storfa is described as a flagship project in Swansea’s £1bn city centre regeneration, supported by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.

A hub at the heart of the city

Y Storfa is being described by the council as a flagship part of its £1bn city centre regeneration programme. The hub will bring together a wide range of services under one roof, including the council’s contact centre, Housing Options, lifelong learning and the West Glamorgan Archive Service.

Other organisations due to be based there include Careers Wales, Citizens Advice and Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library. The location, in the heart of Oxford Street, is close to bus routes, cycle paths, taxi ranks and car parks.

Cllr Elliott King, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, said:

“Y Storfa will give residents a modern, welcoming Central Library at the heart of the city centre, making it easier than ever to access books, digital resources, and a range of services all in one place.

“This move is a key part of our wider regeneration plans that are transforming Swansea for the future.”

Looking ahead

Council Leader Cllr Rob Stewart said the relocation was about more than just moving books and services.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said:

“It’s about creating a central hub where people can learn, access support, and come together as a community. It’ll also combine with many other schemes to create the footfall the city centre needs to attract more shops and other businesses.

He added that the move would also help generate footfall for the city centre, supporting shops and businesses, while freeing up the Civic Centre site for redevelopment.

“Swansea’s regeneration is moving forward at pace, and Y Storfa is a flagship part of that journey.” Cllr Stewart added.

Key details

• Civic Centre library closes: Monday 20 October
• New Central Library at Y Storfa: Opening later this year (date TBC)
• Other libraries: 16 community branches remain open as normal
• Online services: eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines available 24/7
• Updates: Swansea Council website and Swansea Libraries social media

About Y Storfa

The Y Storfa project is supported by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme and is one of several schemes forming part of Swansea’s wider regeneration strategy.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Y Storfa community hub takes shape in Swansea city centre
Progress continues at the former BHS site, with new features emerging as part of the £1bn regeneration programme.

New images reveal greener, more vibrant future for Swansea’s Castle Square
Plans show more greenery, new pavilions and public spaces designed to revitalise the heart of the city.

Plans revealed for new flats at city centre McDonald’s site
Developers outline proposals for 29 apartments above the fast‑food restaurant on Oxford Street.

New images show plans for transformed historic Castle Cinema
Fresh proposals would see the Grade II listed building redeveloped with apartments, retail and restaurant space.

#archives #BHS #books #CareersWales #CentralLibrary #CentralLibraryMove #CentralLibraryRelocation #CitizensAdvice #CivicCentre #CllrElliottKing #CllrRobStewart #Library #maps #microfilm #OxfordStreet #PrincessWay #SouthWalesMinersMuseum #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaLibraries #WestGlamorganArchiveService #YStorfa

Y Storfa community hub takes shape in Swansea city centre

Progress continues on Swansea’s flagship community services hub Y Storfa, with key features now emerging at the former BHS building in Oxford Street.

The development is part of Swansea Council’s £1bn regeneration programme and will bring together a wide range of public and third-sector services under one roof.

Recent construction milestones include the installation of a striking three-storey steel stairway, beach hut-style meeting pods for Careers Wales, internal and external windows, and new cladding panels. The work is being carried out by main contractors Kier Group and remains on track for completion this year.

Council leader Rob Stewart said: “It’s great to see progress being made on our repurposing of this very large city centre site for public services. Y Storfa will be a fantastic location for people from across the city to access essential services.”

Once open, Y Storfa will house council-run services including the central library, a new children’s library, Housing Options, lifelong learning, the West Glamorgan Archive Service, and the contact centre. Non-council tenants will include Careers Wales, Citizens Advice, and Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library.

The hub is designed to be easily accessible, located close to car parks, bus stops and cycle routes. It is expected to boost footfall for nearby businesses and contribute to the vibrancy of the city centre.

Cllr Stewart added: “This area of the city centre is being transformed with a great mix of public and private sector investment. Castle Gardens is going to be greener and much more welcoming, there are plans for new homes above McDonald’s, and new homes and businesses are being created at the former Castle Cinema.”

The Y Storfa project is supported by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Local businesses invited to explore work opportunities at Castle Square transformation
Explores how upcoming developments are opening doors for traders and SMEs.

Castle Square work to start as hoardings go up around site
Details the initial steps in the regeneration of Castle Square and public reaction.

Inside Y Storfa: Photos show progress at community hub
Visual update showing recent construction milestones at the Oxford Street site.

First two non-council tenants announced for Y Storfa in Swansea city centre
Careers Wales and Citizens Advice confirmed as tenants in the new public services hub.

#BHS #CareersWales #CentralLibrary #CitizensAdviceCymru #CllrRobStewart #construction #HousingOptions #KierGroup #Library #SouthWalesMinersMuseum #Swansea #SwanseaCityCentre #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaLibraries #WestGlamorganArchiveService #YStorfa

City centre project creates new work opportunities

The Kier Group workforce and sub-contractors attached to Swansea Council’s Y Storfa project number up to around 45 every day.

Among them – helped into work by council community benefits initiative Beyond Bricks and Mortar – are a number of workers hired by the firm in the early days of the scheme.

Once complete, the council say Y Stofa will be a key part of its £1bn regeneration of Swansea, and will be a gathering place and a source of information for people across the city.

Trainee site manager Jack Shaddick is a Kier degree apprentice studying construction management.

He said: “I’m proud to be working on such an important building in my home city

“Every day is different in my role – there’s never the same problem to solve, the same task to complete or even the same project to work on.

“There’s a wide variety of jobs in the construction industry so I’m excited to be part of it.”

Jack is a student at Sheffield Hallam University.

Architectural engineering university student Joe Eynon is on a 12-month placement with Kier, specialising in design management.

He said: “I was attracted to the construction industry because it offers the ability to make towns and cities more inviting and environmentally friendly.

“My role with Kier has allowed me to make a real-life impact on the Y Storfa project.”

Joe is a student at Plymouth University.

Andy Gough, of Swansea, is a labourer, traffic marshal and hoist operator.

His previous experience included warehouse and factory work.

He said: “After being unemployed for around seven months, this Y Storfa opportunity is having a great positive impact on my life.

“I’ve been able to broaden my skillset and I’m being treated really well by everybody here – the Kier workforce is really supportive.”

Council cabinet member Elliott King, said: “It’s great to see new work opportunities coming as a result of Beyond Bricks and Mortar linking in with our fantastic Y Storfa development.

“It illustrates our holistic approach to regeneration, allowing local communities to benefit from physical regeneration projects, particularly getting people into work.

“I thank Kier, our main contractors on Y Storfa, working with us to create a number of new posts to help them deliver Y Storfa on our behalf.”

Ian Rees, regional director at Kier, said: “We are incredibly proud of the team we have working on Y Storfa.

“The team has a great mix of experienced individuals and those learning their trade with us, as well as varied background which have all contributed to the project’s success so far.

“It’s fantastic to hear that we are having such a positive impact on the lives of people in the area and will endeavour to continue doing so.”

The council say Y Storfa, in the former BHS store at the corner of Oxford Street and Princess Way, is on course for completion this year.

Council-run services based there will include the contact centre, Housing Options, lifelong learning and the main public library and new children’s library, as well as the West Glamorgan Archive Service and other useful resources.

Non-council tenants at Y Storfa are set to include the Swansea office of Careers Wales, the main base of Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot, and Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library.

The council say it will encourage footfall for local businesses as the council continues its £1bn regeneration programme.

Council leader Rob Stewart said: “Y Storfa will be a fantastic location for people from across the city to access key services, to meet and the spend quality free time.

“It’ll be at the heart of our regeneration drive, standing next to Castle Square which is due to receive a greener new look.

“It’s great to see progress being made on our repurposing of this very large city centre site for public services.

“This area of the city centre is being transformed with a great mix of public and private sector investment.

“Castle Gardens is going to be greener and more welcoming, there are plans for new homes above McDonald’s, and new homes and businesses at the former Castle Cinema.”

(Lead image: Members of the Kier Group workforce at the Swansea city centre Y Storfa project include, from left, Jack Shaddick, Joe Eynon and Andy Goug) (Image: Swansea Council)

#BeyondBricksAndMortar #KierConstruction #Swansea #YStorfa

Council says more progress being made on city centre community services hub

Once open it’ll be home to facilities such as a new central library including a new children’s library.

Other council-run services there will include those such as the contact centre, Housing Options, lifelong learning and the West Glamorgan Archive Service.

Non-council tenants are set to include Careers Wales, Citizens Advice and Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library.

These and other publicly accessible services there will encourage footfall for local businesses as the council continues its £1bn regeneration programme.

Council leader Rob Stewart said: “Y Storfa will be a fantastic location for people from across the city to access essential services.

“It’s great to see progress being made on our repurposing of this very large city centre site for public services.

“This area of the city centre is being transformed with a great mix of public and private sector investment.

“Castle Gardens is going to be greener and much more welcoming, there are plans for new homes above McDonald’s, and new homes and businesses are planned at the former Castle Cinema.

“Nearby, in Oxford Steet, there are other exciting developments bringing new homes and business opportunities as multi-million pound investment transforms our new-look city centre.”

At Y Storfa, recent weeks have seen main contractors Kier Group continue work on elements such as meeting rooms, services and windows.

The past few months have seen progress on matters such as the putting up of internal walls on some of the three floors.

The city centre project, in the former BHS store in Oxford Street, is on course for completion this year.

Close to car parks, bus stops and cycle routes, Y Storfa will house council-run services.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

#BHS #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #YStorfa

Members of community groups inspired to create city centre public art

It has been installed on hoardings around the emerging Y Storfa building at the corner of Oxford Street and Princess Way.

The community participants came from groups such as Swansea Libraries and Swansea Asylum Seekers Support plus the council’s services for lifelong learning and for young adults with additional learning needs or learning disability.

They were assisted over a process of several months by professional South Wales-based artist Natalie Hemingway.

The activity, funded by Y Storfa contractors Kier, was managed by Swansea Council which is developing Y Storfa as a community services hub, including central library. It’s due to open this year.

On March 27, the participants gathered outside Y Storfa to celebrate their work being exhibited for city centre visitors to enjoy.

Council cabinet member Elliott King said: “I’m delighted that such a diverse range of individuals came together to produce this fantastic new public art.

“It helps to celebrate Swansea’s past and future – along with the city’s people.

“Their work is being enjoyed by tens of thousands of people who visit the city centre for work, shopping, education or to spend quality free time.”

Artist Natalie Hemingway said: “It was a pleasure to work with all the community artists on this project.

“They embraced the area’s history and learned new skills – and have produced a celebration of local culture at the heart of their city centre.”

Ian Rees, regional director at Kier Construction, said: “It’s great to see this fantastic artwork up on the hoardings surrounding Y Storfa.

“Thank you to the talented volunteer artists who have spent time and effort creating these wonderful pieces.

“It’s certainly attracting a lot of positive attention locally and really building on the excitement surrounding this project.”

The artwork is inspired by the heritage, humanity and diversity of Swansea city centre.

Source material included images and maps from the council-managed West Glamorgan Archive Service, one of the services due to move to Y Storfa in the months to come.

The participants were also inspired by their positive experiences of living in Swansea.

Their work on the eight vinyl panels – each measuring 2x3m – includes street scenes, calligraphy and self portraits.

It’s part of the Your Store, Your Story project, telling stories of the building – once a British Home Stores (BHS) – and the immediate area.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

#Art #BHS #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #YStorfa

Plans for city revealed at Swansea conference

The event brought together Swansea-based businesses, organisations and individuals for a day of insightful panel discussions with key Swansea figures, networking with fellow exhibitors and attendees, and a busy programme of workshops in sectors such as: local food partnerships, sustainability, creative industries and leadership strategies.

Cllr. Rob Stewart, the leader of Swansea Council, opened the day with a keynote session providing an insight into local investment, upcoming developments and other projects in the pipeline for Swansea.

Stewart shared updates on city developments and plans including: redevelopment of Castle Gardens with work beginning in March, Y Storfa – a project developing the old BHS store into the new city library, £2.8 million Church of Wales investment for St. Mary’s Church, development of a 200-bed conference hotel next to Swansea Building Society Arena, £5 million investment for the Ospreys’ move back to the historic St Helens ground, redevelopment of the Civic Centre site with the potential for a saltwater lido and national aquarium, planning approval for Skyline’s adventure park, and more.

During his keynote speech, Cllr. Rob Stewart said: “This is a historic year for us. Swansea is expected to be the seventh fastest growing city in the UK this year. That is because of all the work that you are doing, and the work that we’re doing together to make sure that we get investment, regeneration, prosperity, opportunity, jobs, into Swansea.”

Attendees from across the region attended panel discussions covering topics including the city’s vibrant music, culture and night-time economy, the collaboration of city stakeholders in the promotion of Swansea’s retail and leisure offering, innovation in sport and wellbeing throughout the city, and Swansea’s role on the silver screen.

Zoe Antrobus, Managing Director of 4theRegion, said: “We’re proud to have welcomed over 1200 attendees and over 90 exhibitors to undoubtedly our biggest event of the year, for the fifth year running. People and businesses of Swansea heard exclusive updates of the upcoming plans and exciting developments re-shaping the city, with fantastic insight from our wide range of panellists on the day.

“Our key theme for this year is ‘connection’ and that’s exactly what this year’s event achieved. 4theRegion’s overall mission is to facilitate connections between people and businesses across South West Wales, to address challenges and create positive change for the region. We hope that lots of connections were made, and lots taken away to inspire our residents and businesspeople of Swansea to work together for a better future for our city.”

(Lead image: Innovation Photography)

#4theRegion #Aquarium #CastleSquareGardens #CllrRobStewart #hotel #Skyline #StHelensStadium #StMarySChurch #Swansea #SwanseaArena #YStorfa

Inside Y Storfa: Photos show progress at community hub

In a progress update on works, Swansea Council say their contractors, Kier, are beginning to put up internal walls on some of the three floors.

The council added that the past few months have seen progress on matters such as demolition of walls, creating a new roof light and installing mechanical and electrical kit.

The city centre project, in the former BHS store at the corner of Oxford Street and Princess Way, is on course for completion this year.

It will see a range of publicly accessible services – including the city’s main public library – at the heart of the city centre, encouraging footfall for local businesses as the council says it continues its £1bn regeneration programme.

Council leader Rob Stewart said: “It’s great to see progress being made at Y Storfa.

“When open it’ll be a fantastic location for people from across the city to access key services, to meet and the spend quality free time.

“It’ll be at the heart of our regeneration drive which includes Swansea Arena, the Copr Bay bridge, Amy Dillwyn Park, the new-look Kingsway and Wind Street, transformed heritage structures such as the Palace Theatre building and Albert Hall, and new structures such as 71-72 Kingsway and the Biophilic Living Building rising now above Oxford Street.”

Jason Taylor, regional director at Kier Construction Western & Wales, said: “Y Storfa is progressing well and the building redevelopment is on track to be completed this year.

“This project right in the centre of Swansea will provide a real hub for residents, providing a range of amenities and services which will bring people into the heart of the city. We look forward to handing it over to Swansea Council.”

Y Storfa will be a key regeneration project for Swansea city centre, standing between Castle Square – which is due to receive a greener new look – and the new-look, people-friendly Kingsway.

Close to car parks, bus stops and cycle routes, the council say that Y Storfa will offer people convenient access to key services from across the council and other organisations.

It adds that the development will reinvigorate an existing building, bring together key support services into a single accessible location and boost footfall for city centre businesses.

Council-run services based there will include the contact centre, Housing Options, lifelong learning and the main public library as well as the West Glamorgan Archive Service and other useful resources.

Non-council tenants at Y Storfa are set to include the Swansea office of Careers Wales, the main base of Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot, and Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library.

Some council services to move there will relocate from the Civic Centre that’s in line to be redeveloped as a new city seafront district in a partnership between the council and world-renowned developers Urban Splash.

New homes and leisure and hospitality uses could feature there, along with greenery, public spaces and a new walkway to the beach.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

#BHS #construction #featured #Kier #KierConstruction #Library #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #WestGlamorganArchiveService #YStorfa

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]

#7172Kingsway #CastleSquare #featured #StDavidsSwansea #SwanseaCouncil #YStorfa

University Miners Library set to be the latest tenant for council’s city centre community hub

The South Wales Miners’ Library is the third non-council tenant to be announced for the hub now taking shape in Oxford Street’s former BHS building.

Part of Swansea University, the South Wales Miners’ Library celebrated its 50th anniversary last year and plans to relocate from its current location in Tycoch, behind the former Hendrefoilan Student Village.

At Y Storfa – which is in the process of being developed – it will join a range of public services such as the West Glamorgan Archive Service, the main central Public Library and other useful resources.

Non-council services planning to move there include the Swansea office of Careers Wales and the main base of Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot.

Council leader Rob Stewart said:

“It’ll be great to have The South Wales Miners’ Library as part of Y Storfa.

“It’s a well-regarded custodian of Welsh industrial heritage and will complement the new state-of-the-art archives being created there.

“As with other key schemes – such as The Kingsway, Wind Street and Swansea Arena – we want this new local services hub, which will be home to our new central library as well as other key local services, to offer as many opportunities as possible to the people of Swansea.”

Artist’s impression of Y Storfa once complete
(Image: Swansea Council)

Swansea University Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Boyle said:

“We are delighted to have secured a new home for the South Wales Miners’ Library in the regenerated heart of our city, which we hope will encourage even more people to enjoy this important resource.

“As proud custodians of these collections, which offer unique insights into our nation’s industrial and cultural heritage.

“We will work with Swansea Council to ensure that they are housed within an environment which protects and preserves them for future generations.”

The South Wales Miners’ Library opened in October 1973 and houses a unique and internationally important research collection relating to the industrial, educational, social, cultural and political history of South Wales.

It includes the libraries of more than 60 miners’ institutes and welfare halls across the coalfield, pamphlets, posters, an oral history collection and the largest collection of banners in Wales.

Y Storfa, due to open next year, will be a key regeneration project for Swansea city centre, standing between Castle Square – which is due to receive a greener new look – and the new-look, people-friendly Kingsway.

Close to car parks, bus stops and cycle routes, it will offer people convenient access to key services from across the council and other organisations.

It will reinvigorate an existing building, bring together key support services into a single accessible location and boost footfall for city centre businesses.

Some council services to move there will relocate from the Civic Centre that’s in line to be redeveloped as a new city seafront district in a partnership between the council and world-renowned developers Urban Splash.

New homes and leisure and hospitality uses could feature there, along with greenery, public spaces and a new walkway to the beach.

The changes are part of the council’s £1bn regeneration programme that continues to forge ahead.

[Lead image: Swansea Council]

#BHS #featured #MinersLibrary #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaUniversity #YStorfa