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SWANSEA: Debenhams building sold to Quadrant owners as three major new tenants set to be named ‘within days’

Swansea’s long-vacant former Debenhams building has been sold by the council to Centurion – the company that already owns and operates the Quadrant Shopping Centre and Parc Tawe – in a deal that paves the way for three major new tenants to move in before the end of 2026.

The sale clears the way for two major national retailers and a national leisure operator to be confirmed as tenants of the three-storey building, which has stood empty since Debenhams went into liquidation in 2021. Council leader Rob Stewart said the names of the companies would be announced “within the coming days.”

A spokesperson for the council leader confirmed the sale price is commercially confidential, but said it represents a saving compared to projected costs. The deal also means Centurion will take on the cost of fitting out the building — saving the council taxpayers the expense of that phase too.

The council had already completed the strip-out of the building, which was purchased for approximately 2.85 million pounds using Welsh Government Transforming Towns funding in 2023 and hollowed back to bare concrete by contractor Andrew Scott Ltd.

Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart described it as big news for the city. “Shoppers want choice. Today’s news at the former Debenhams delivers exactly that – a major national retailer, a sports and leisure centre, dozens of new jobs, and a renewed reason for families to spend their day in our city centre,” he said.

He added that the sale to Centurion represented a significant step forward for Swansea’s wider regeneration. “New offices are opening across the city. The Swansea Bay Metro will make getting in and out of Swansea easier than ever. Swansea Council has delivered record investment over the past 12 years. We will continue to invest, back our city, and make Swansea a place everyone wants to be.”

Stewart also addressed the M&S closure announced this week, expressing disappointment that the retailer had not given the city time to find a new site before closing its doors. “It is hugely disappointing that Marks and Spencer have decided to close their Swansea store at the end of May. Our first thoughts are with the 92 staff facing uncertainty,” he said. “We are working with M&S leadership to bring a full-line store back to the city, and that is what we will keep pressing for.”

Jane Rice of Centurion confirmed the deal had been signed the previous day and that tenant names were imminent. “We are so excited to be able to announce that we are now the proud owners of Debenhams and we have three major tenants lined up which we can’t announce just yet but it’s so exciting and we just can’t wait,” she said.

She added that the new tenants would transform the shopping experience in the Quadrant. “For every shopper that now enters the Quadrant, as and when all the stores are up and running, it will be a full experience — many different retailers on site, a complete experience, all that Christmas shopping, one-stop shop.”

Rice said Centurion had identified Swansea’s potential early. “We’ve recognised some time ago that Swansea is on the rise. There is billions of pounds of investment being poured into the city centre and we want to be part of that. This sort of demonstrates our commitment to help seeing that come to fruition.”

Adam Gibbons of Centurion added that the company had committed to Swansea for the long term. “We recognise early on that there is a lot of potential in Swansea city centre and this sort of demonstrates our commitment to help seeing that come to fruition,” he said.

The sale also clears the way for Centurion to move forward with wider investment and regeneration plans for the rest of the Quadrant – the shopping centre they have been steadily revitalising since taking over its ownership. Recent arrivals under Centurion’s stewardship have included a Holland and Barrett flagship store and a new Rituals outlet.

Debenhams opened as the flagship anchor of the Quadrant when it was first built in 1978-79, marking what was then a golden era for Swansea retail. Its closure in 2021 after the 242-year-old brand went into national liquidation left a three-storey void at the heart of the city’s main shopping centre.

The council’s purchase of the building in 2023 and the subsequent strip-out – which saw dramatic internal transformation photos emerge earlier this year – signalled the start of a new chapter for the site. Today’s sale to Centurion confirms that chapter is now ready to begin in earnest.

The announcement comes as Swansea city centre continues a broader retail revival, with over 120 new retailers, hospitality and leisure businesses having opened since 2020 and more than 1 billion pounds of regeneration investment underway across the city.

Centurion are keen to see the new stores open before the end of 2026. The names of the three tenants are expected to be confirmed within the coming days.

Swansea Bay News will bring you the full tenant announcement the moment it is made.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

SWANSEA: Flagship M&S store confirms May 30 closure date as council leader hints at Debenhams news
Yesterday’s M&S closure confirmation – and the tease that led to today’s announcement.

Inside Swansea’s old Debenhams: photos show dramatic transformation as revamp gathers pace
The dramatic strip-out of the Quadrant unit earlier this year.

Council buys former Swansea Debenhams store
How the council took ownership of the building in the first place.

Swansea-based retail entrepreneurs buy Quadrant Shopping Centre
The Centurion Group’s takeover of the Quadrant.

The future of retail in Swansea: the shops you want, the brands we asked, and what comes next
Our feature on Swansea’s retail revival.

Holland & Barrett opens new flagship store in Swansea’s Quadrant Shopping Centre
One of the recent Quadrant arrivals under Centurion’s ownership.

Swansea’s Quadrant rolls out sensory packs for shoppers

Packs to calm the chaos of shopping

The busy city centre shopping centre has introduced Sensory Packs containing noise‑reducing headphones, fidget tools and calming aids to help visitors who struggle with sensory overwhelm, anxiety or stress in crowded spaces.

The packs are available on request from the security team and are designed to make shopping trips less daunting for families and individuals who might otherwise avoid the Quadrant.

The centre has also signed up to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme, meaning shoppers wearing the sunflower lanyard can discreetly signal they may need extra support.

Training to tackle hidden barriers

Centurion, who own the Quadrant, say every front‑of‑house worker has now undergone specialist training with Wales‑based diversity experts Delsion, giving them the confidence to support neurodivergent customers and those with non‑visible disabilities.

The move comes against a stark backdrop. Research shows that three‑quarters of disabled shoppers have walked out of a store because of poor accessibility or service, while seven in ten never return after a negative experience. Campaigners say this underlines the importance of centres making visits easier and more spontaneous, without the need for detailed planning.

Adam Gibbons, Property Director at Centurion, said:

“Making sure our shoppers feel supported, understood, and genuinely welcomed is central to who we are. By equipping all our front‑of‑house team with disability inclusion training and introducing Sensory Packs, we are taking meaningful action to improve the experience of neurodivergent customers.”

“Positive example” for UK centres

Julian John, CEO of Delsion, added:

“It’s essential that shopping centres take proactive steps towards neurodiversity inclusion, especially as many neurodivergent needs are not immediately visible. The Quadrant is setting a positive example for centres across the UK.”

How to get a pack

Shoppers can request a Sensory Pack by approaching a security team member or visiting the control room on the first floor, near the lift and customer toilets.

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