#careerswales — Public Fediverse posts

Swansea’s new Y Storfa hub draws praise as visitors embrace city centre one‑stop shop

The building, which opened on December 1 in the former BHS store on Oxford Street, has been “busy every day”, according to Swansea Council. The authority says visitors have praised its central location, bright design and the convenience of having multiple services under one roof.

Council leader Rob Stewart said the reaction had exceeded expectations.

Cllr Stewart said:

“We’re delighted that public and staff feedback from the early weeks at Y Storfa has been so positive. Public comments continue to be fantastic; our staff and partners love working here. It’s proving to be a real success.”

Community groups using the space say it has already become a valued meeting point.

Jean Blair, from social group Mentro Allan, said:

“We really enjoy meeting here. Y Storfa has welcoming staff, plenty of comfortable space and is in a central location.”

The South Wales Miners’ Library, now based inside the hub, says the move has made it far easier for people to drop in.

Sian Williams, head of cultural collections at Swansea University, said:

“We’re much more accessible here and are delighted with the number of people who’ve called in and continue to do so. We’re open to everybody and it’s great to welcome a range of visitors.”

The council’s lifelong learning team says demand has surged since relocating.

Service co‑ordinator Judith Porch said:

“With so many services being in one space, Y Storfa is connecting people. It’s great for supporting our learners — you can see how people are enjoying the experience. We’ve seen huge interest in our lifelong learning classes; our IT classes are now completely full.”

Frontline staff say the hub is already improving how residents access help.

Senior revenues and benefits officer Andrea Jones said:

“Y Storfa has made it easy for customers to access many services in one place. I had a customer who came in for a query about benefits who was then able to go straight to housing options. It makes it much more convenient being in the same location.”

The council says the numbers back up the positive feedback. December saw more than 670 new central library members — more than triple the usual monthly average — and children’s library loans have risen. The South Wales Miners’ Library, Citizens Advice, West Glamorgan Archive Service and Careers Wales all report increased footfall.

Cllr Stewart says the hub is already playing a role in boosting the wider city centre.

He said:

“Thousands of people have already enjoyed what Y Storfa has to offer. They like its accessible and compelling mix of essential services. There’s been a significant uplift in visitors compared to previous locations used by the services based there.”

Y Storfa forms part of Swansea Council’s £1bn regeneration programme and was delivered with support from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns fund. The council says its location — close to car parks, bus routes and the newly reopened Park Street East car park — is helping draw people back into the city centre.

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Y Storfa opens in Swansea city centre as council services move from Civic

The facility is part of the authority’s £1bn regeneration programme and brings together a range of services under one roof, including the city’s Central Library, Housing Options, Housing Support, and the West Glamorgan Archive Service. Careers Wales, Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot, and Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library also have bases there.

Council leader Rob Stewart described Y Storfa as “a great city centre space for the people of Swansea to access services they use day in day out,” adding that it would “make the city centre an even better place to visit.”

The project has been funded in part by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, with construction led by Kier. Ian Rees, regional director for Kier Construction Western & Wales, said the company was “incredibly proud to see Y Storfa open its doors to the public, providing a vital community space right at the heart of the city centre.”

Wendy Williams of Careers Wales said the move would make it easier for residents to access free careers advice in a central location, while Caroline Newman of Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot said the relocation would “improve accessibility and create opportunities for collaboration.”

Services available at Y Storfa

• 📚 Swansea Central Library
• 🏠 Housing Options and Housing Support services
• 📜 West Glamorgan Archive Service
• 🎓 Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library
• 💼 Careers Wales advice centre
• ⚖️ Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot
• Other council services relocated from the Civic Centre

Note: Registration offices and bereavement services remain at the Civic Centre until further notice.

The opening means there is now no public access via the front doors of Swansea Civic Centre. Council services previously based there have transferred to Y Storfa, although registration offices and bereavement services will continue to operate from the Civic until further notice.

The council says redevelopment plans for the Civic Centre are still being worked on and will be announced once finalised.

#archives #bhs #careersWales #centralLibrary #citizensAdvice #civicCentre #featured #housingOptions #housingSupport #library #oxfordStreet #princessWay #swansea #swanseaCouncil #swanseaUniversityMinersLibrary #westGlamorganArchiveService2 #yStorfa

“I wouldn’t be in this position without her.” – Neath student takes first step towards legal career with careers adviser support 

Through her school’s careers adviser, Rebecca Mogford, Beth discovered new options she hadn’t considered before. 

Beth explained: “I told Rebecca that my interest was in law and I didn’t really want to go to university, but I was really open to college. So initially I thought I’d be doing maybe A levels and law would be one of the options.”  

Rebecca helped Beth to research options and found that JCP Solicitors offered apprenticeships through CILEX (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives). She also encouraged Beth to attend an open evening to learn more. 

Beth said: “I found the open evening really helpful because I was able to see what kind of environment I would be working in if I was successful. They even showed me step by step how my career route would look.” 

After the open evening at JCP Solicitors, Beth felt confident she wanted to apply for the apprenticeship. Rebecca suggested ways to enhance Beth’s CV, such as practising touch typing, completing online courses, and learning the phonetic alphabet. 

Beth explained: “Rebecca really did enhance my CV, which I then applied with, and they offered me an interview. I had an in-person interview and then within a week they gave me a start date. It all started from that meeting with Rebecca.” 

Now, Beth works as an apprentice at JCP Solicitors. She spends four days a week in the business support team and one day a week at Gower College studying for her CILEX qualification. After that she hopes to progress to Level 5, with the long-term goal of becoming a solicitor. 

Beth said: “I don’t think there’s much awareness about all the apprenticeships that are out there. I never knew I’d be able to do an apprenticeship in law. You’re earning while you’re learning and getting practical experience.” 

Her sessions with Rebecca gave her the confidence to pursue her goal. 

“I wouldn’t be in this position without her. She definitely built my confidence towards applying for this role.” 

Beth’s story is just one example of how Careers Wales empowers young people to take confident steps toward their futures. In schools, careers advisers like Rebecca held over 80,000 guidance sessions with young people, supporting pupils like Beth to explore their career options. 

Across Wales, young people were equipped with the tools and experiences they need for life beyond the classroom. More than 38,600 learners took part in group career-planning sessions and Careers Wales coordinated 1,704 employer-led activities—ranging from mock interviews to site visits—with secondary schools.  

Last year alone, over 420,000 individuals used the Careers Wales website, with over 46,000 using the Career Match Quiz to discover jobs aligned with their skills and interests. 

[Lead image: Careers Wales]

#CareersWales #CILEX #GowerCollegeSwansea #JCPSolicitors

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