#castle-square — Public Fediverse posts

CASTLE SQUARE: First foundations go in for Swansea’s new city centre gardens

The transformation of Swansea’s Castle Square has reached its next stage — with the first foundations of the new Castle Square Gardens now being built.

Diggers moved onto the square in the spring, and the site today is barely recognisable: the fountains, steps and paving of the old square have gone, with the ground dug out to new levels behind bright red hoardings.

Swansea Council says preparation work — including diverting underground utilities and removing and storing materials for reuse — is complete, with main construction now underway and, the contractor says, running in line with the programme.

Public spaces contractor Knights Brown is delivering the scheme, with access maintained for pedestrians and surrounding businesses while it builds.

The council says the finished gardens will bring significantly more green space to the square, along with new seating, a water feature, improved lighting and areas for events — as shown in the design images released last autumn.

Council leader Rob Stewart said it was “great to see the transformation of this important site firmly underway”, adding the council was confident people would enjoy the finished space.

Knights Brown divisional director Tim Waller said the scheme “provides a fond nod to the location’s past as a traditional city centre garden space”.

The design comes from architects ACME, with consultants Spider Projects also working on the scheme.

When we visited the site last month, diggers had just begun reshaping the square — and Mr Stewart said he would love to see a new big screen in place in time for next year’s Six Nations.

That nod to the past runs deep. The square stands on the site of the Ben Evans department store — one of the grandest shops in Wales until it was destroyed in the Three Nights’ Blitz of the Second World War.

The bomb site became the Castle Gardens, the formal lawns and flowerbeds remembered by generations of Swansea shoppers, before the 1990s remodelling swept them away for the hard-paved plaza of recent memory — its amphitheatre steps, fountains and Leaf Boat sculpture finally removed in January as the site was cleared.

And it’s not just the square itself changing — almost every building around it is being reshaped too.

The former Castle Cinema building is being converted into flats and retail units by a housing association. On Castle Street, Turtle Bay closed its doors in April after ten years overlooking the square.

On Princess Way, Søstrene Grene drew queues along Castle Square when it opened last month in the former Zara unit at Castle Quays. Ten new flats are planned for the floors above.

A short walk away on Oxford Street, Y Storfa has opened in the former BHS and been named Wales’ Project of the Year. Next door, M&S closed after 69 years.

Even the building housing the square’s McDonald’s is in line for change, with Welsh Government millions backing plans for a major new flats development at the site.

The works form part of what the council describes as a £1bn regeneration programme across the city centre — and by the time the gardens open in summer 2027, the square they sit in will look out on an almost entirely changed city.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Work ramps up on the square’s green makeover — and a new big screen could show the Six Nations
Our last visit as diggers began reshaping the square.

New images reveal greener, more vibrant future for Castle Square
The designs for the transformed square.

Leaf Boat sculpture removed from Castle Square
The fountain and sculpture cleared as the redevelopment moved ahead.

medieval heritage and serves as a prominent #HistoricMonument. Nearby, traditional stone buildings, including the old police station, enhance the timeless character of the locale. Popular with visitors seeking #TravelPhotography, the square offers a glimpse into the region's storied past and its connection to Edward I's legacy.

Taken Aug 2018

#SilentSunday #ShotOniPhone #UKCountryPic #Photography #MastoGPT #KingEdwardI #HistoricMonument #CastleSquare #MedievalStatue #TravelPhotography #BankHouse #Conwy #Wales #UnitedKingdom

medieval heritage and serves as a prominent #HistoricMonument. Nearby, traditional stone buildings, including the old police station, enhance the timeless character of the locale. Popular with visitors seeking #TravelPhotography, the square offers a glimpse into the region's storied past and its connection to Edward I's legacy.

Taken Aug 2018

#SilentSunday #ShotOniPhone #UKCountryPic #Photography #MastoGPT #KingEdwardI #HistoricMonument #CastleSquare #MedievalStatue #TravelPhotography #BankHouse #Conwy #Wales #UnitedKingdom

medieval heritage and serves as a prominent #HistoricMonument. Nearby, traditional stone buildings, including the old police station, enhance the timeless character of the locale. Popular with visitors seeking #TravelPhotography, the square offers a glimpse into the region's storied past and its connection to Edward I's legacy.

Taken Aug 2018

#SilentSunday #ShotOniPhone #UKCountryPic #Photography #MastoGPT #KingEdwardI #HistoricMonument #CastleSquare #MedievalStatue #TravelPhotography #BankHouse #Conwy #Wales #UnitedKingdom

medieval heritage and serves as a prominent #HistoricMonument. Nearby, traditional stone buildings, including the old police station, enhance the timeless character of the locale. Popular with visitors seeking #TravelPhotography, the square offers a glimpse into the region's storied past and its connection to Edward I's legacy.

Taken Aug 2018

#SilentSunday #ShotOniPhone #UKCountryPic #Photography #MastoGPT #KingEdwardI #HistoricMonument #CastleSquare #MedievalStatue #TravelPhotography #BankHouse #Conwy #Wales #UnitedKingdom

CASTLE SQUARE: Work ramps up on the square’s green makeover — and a new big screen could show the Six Nations

Diggers are deep at work in the heart of Swansea as one of the city centre’s most prominent public spaces is torn up and rebuilt.

Heavy machinery has been excavating Castle Square, the open space beneath the ruins of Swansea Castle, where the old paving, steps and fountain are giving way to a greener redesign.

The work is the latest visible stage of a scheme the council first set in motion earlier this year, when an artist’s installation went up on the hoardings to mark the start of construction.

Contractor Knights Brown is now on site, with the square fenced off behind “danger deep excavations” signs and the ground stripped back to bare earth.

The council is rebranding the space Castle Square Gardens, a nod to its history — before its 1990s redesign, the area was known as Castle Gardens.

When finished, the square is set to include new lawns, biodiverse planting, a water feature for interactive play, two pavilion buildings for food, drink or retail, and new seating, lighting and paving.

It will also have a giant TV screen above a bandstand-style space — and that screen has become a talking point.

At a council scrutiny panel this week, councillor Dai Jenkins asked whether the new screen would be ready in time to show the 2027 Six Nations.

Council leader Rob Stewart said the timetable made that a close-run thing, but that it was the ambition.

“The current completion and handover is likely to be after the Six Nations, but again, I know Lee and the team are currently looking at how they can advance that schedule,” he told the panel.

“It would be great if the screen were operational and the public were able to use the new square in time for the Six Nations.”

He added: “If not, obviously it’ll be available at the next major sporting event, but [I’d] love to see it open for the Six Nations if at all possible.”

A big screen is not new to Castle Square. The previous one was first put up for the 2012 London Olympics and stayed in place long afterwards, becoming a fixture for major sporting and civic occasions.

The two pavilion units, meanwhile, are already drawing interest. The council’s regeneration manager Lee Richards told the panel the authority could not yet name tenants, as the units had not been let.

But he said there was “significant interest”, adding that “a number of local vendors” could be “really good fits” for the spaces.

The square sits at the centre of the city’s wider regeneration, with new flats and commercial schemes taking shape around it — including ten apartments planned for a building overlooking the square.

The leaf-boat sculpture that long stood in the square has been removed and put into storage, with the council in talks over a new home for it — Cwmdonkin Park among the options.

For now, the diggers will keep working, with the greener Castle Square Gardens — screen and all — still to take shape.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Artist helps celebrate green future of Castle Square as revamp gets underway
A huge new artwork went up on the hoardings as work began on the transformation.

Ten new flats planned for building overlooking Castle Square
More city centre living as the push to bring people back into the heart of Swansea continues.

Swansea’s future mapped out in draft city centre plan
The wider blueprint for reshaping the city centre and waterfront.

FLATS FUNDING BOOST: Welsh Government to pour millions into city centre flats plan at McDonald’s site and Kingsway block

Swansea is in line for a major regeneration boost after the Welsh Government confirmed funding for two high-profile developments right in the heart of the city.

The cash forms part of a £12.6 million Wales-wide package – but a significant chunk is heading straight to Swansea, targeting long-standing empty upper floors and underused buildings.

At the centre of the plans is 1 Oxford Street – the busy McDonald’s site opposite Castle Square, where empty floors above could finally be brought back to life.

Up to £4.9 million in grant funding alongside a £1 million loan has been earmarked to help transform the building, with proposals already in place to create new flats above the fast-food restaurant.

It’s a site we’ve previously reported on, where plans have been drawn up to tackle one of the city centre’s most prominent unused spaces and turn it into much-needed housing.

Just a short walk away, another key Kingsway building is also in line for change.

Phase two of the Potters Wheel development – covering 85–86 Kingsway at the junction with Dillwyn Street and St Helen’s Road – will receive up to £750,000 in grant funding alongside a £1 million loan.

The project builds on earlier work at the site, where apartments were created above the ground floor pub and a striking green wall installed as part of efforts to bring more nature into the city centre.

Now, housing association Beacon Cymru is set to push ahead with further apartments on the upper floors – continuing the shift towards city centre living.

The Welsh Government says the funding is about more than bricks and mortar.

Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government Jayne Bryant said:

“This funding is not just about infrastructure—it is about creating real, tangible change for the people who live and work in these areas.

“By revitalising town centres, supporting local businesses, and improving public spaces, we are helping to build places where communities can thrive both socially and economically.”

She added:

“We know that strong, vibrant high streets are the backbone of wider economic growth across Wales.”

The announcement was made during a visit to the Biophilic Living project at Mowbray Yard in Swansea City Centre – a scheme already showcasing how greener design and housing can reshape urban spaces.

The latest investment is part of the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, which has already pumped nearly £500 million into regeneration projects across Wales since 2020.

But for Swansea, the focus is clear – bringing empty buildings back into use and creating more homes in the city centre.

For years, upper floors above shops and businesses have sat vacant, even as demand for housing continues to rise.

Now, with millions committed to two flagship sites, there’s fresh hope that parts of the city centre that have long been overlooked could finally see new life.

And with both developments targeting highly visible locations, the changes won’t go unnoticed.

For Swansea shoppers grabbing a meal on Oxford Street or passing through Kingsway, the skyline above them could soon look very different.

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.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Local businesses invited to explore work opportunities at Castle Square transformation
A look at how firms can get involved in the multi‑million‑pound redevelopment.

Leaf sculpture to go as Castle Square work takes step forward
Earlier confirmation that the Leaf Boat would be removed and stored ahead of relocation.

New images reveal greener, more vibrant future for Swansea’s Castle Square
Visuals showing how the redesigned square will look once complete.

Castle Square work to start as hoardings go up around site
Coverage of the moment construction began and the site was secured.

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.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea city centre library opens at Y Storfa
The new Central Library opens its doors inside Y Storfa, offering books, digital access and sensory spaces.

New Swansea city centre hub Y Storfa opens its doors
Thousands visit Y Storfa in its first week as council services, archives and advice centres move in.

Castle Square transformation work set to start in January
Major works begin next month to create a greener, more welcoming public space next to Y Storfa.

#archives #BHS #CastleSquare #CentralLibrary #CitizensAdviceCymru #CllrRobStewart #CommunityHub #HousingOptions #KierConstruction #Library #OxfordStreet #PrincessWay #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaLibraries #SwanseaUniversityMinersLibrary #WestGlamorganArchiveService #YStorfa

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.

More Christmas stories from Swansea Bay News

Free bus travel returns for Christmas Parade weekend
Council confirms free buses and extra parking after strike suspension — plus festive fireworks.

Free buses return to Swansea for Christmas
Shoppers and families can travel across the city at no cost on selected dates this December.

Victorian Fayre and Parade kick off festive season
Swansea’s Christmas starts with a new Victorian Fayre, Winter Wonderland and Santa switching on the lights.

Together at Christmas returns to Brangwyn Hall
Free meals, entertainment and support services offered at this community event on December 9.

Browse all Christmas coverage
Explore our full archive of festive stories, events and updates from across Swansea Bay.

#castleSquare #christmas #fireAndIceShows #frozen #iceCarving #iceSculpting #iceSculpture #oxfordStreet #portlandStreet #princessWay #quadrantShoppingCentre #stDavidsPlace #swansea #swanseaCouncil #swanseaQuadrant #windStreet

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.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Fire service issue arson danger warning
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service warned of the dangers of deliberate fires, highlighting recent wildfires and derelict property blazes.

Fire service warning after arson in derelict Skewen property
Crews tackled a blaze at an empty two‑storey house in Skewen, which the fire service confirmed had been started deliberately.

Waunceirch man sentenced for arson attacks in Neath Port Talbot
An 18‑year‑old was jailed after setting fire to clothing and starting a pub blaze in Taibach.

Arson attack destroys Lonlas’ former youth and welfare club
Fire crews spent four hours tackling a blaze at a derelict building in Skewen, which destroyed the former youth and welfare club.

#Arson #assault #CastleSquare #McDonalds #SouthWalesPolice #Swansea #SwanseaMcDonalds #theft

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