#castlesquaregardens — 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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said:

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

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

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

Castle Square through the centuries

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

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

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

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

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

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

Part of wider regeneration

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

Preparatory works over the past year have included:

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

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

#BenEvansDepartmentStore #CastleSquare #CastleSquareGardens #CllrRobStewart #featured #KnightsBrown #regeneration #Swansea #SwanseaCityCentre #SwanseaCouncil

Local businesses invited to explore work opportunities at Castle Square transformation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Castle Square work to start as hoardings go up around site
Temporary fencing and safety signage installed as transformation begins on city centre landmark.

Leaf sculpture to go as Castle Square work takes step forward
Dylan Thomas-inspired artwork removed and stored ahead of major redevelopment.

Underground power line works to pave way for Castle Square transformation
National Grid upgrades prepare site for new green space, water feature and pavilion buildings.

Greener Castle Square proposals get planning permission
Public feedback shapes final design as council secures approval for city centre revamp.

#CastleSquare #CastleSquareGardens #CllrRobertFrancisDavies #construction #KnightsBrown #MeetTheBuyer #regeneration #Swansea #SwanseaCityCentre #SwanseaCouncil

Castle Square work to start as hoardings go up around site

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leaf sculpture to go as Castle Square work takes step forward 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazing memorabilia unearthed at former Cinema due for redevelopment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

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