#civiccentre — Public Fediverse posts
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SWANSEA: Brangwyn Hall named one of the UK’s top 10 micro wedding venues
Swansea’s Brangwyn Hall has been named one of the UK’s top ten most popular venues for micro weddings — the only Welsh venue to make a national ranking dominated by London locations.
The Grade I listed hall, part of Swansea’s Guildhall complex and licensed for civil ceremonies, tied for ninth place in a ranking compiled by luxury chauffeur service SIXT ride.
The company analysed TikTok searches, Instagram posts and Google searches to identify the venues generating most buzz among couples planning intimate weddings in 2026.
The Guildhall’s 48-metre Art Deco clock tower, illuminated at night — a landmark visible across the city. Image: Brangwyn HallBrangwyn Hall scored 19.8 out of 100, level with Sheffield Town Hall, based on 5,200 TikTok searches, 1,000 Instagram posts and 8,100 Google searches in the past year. The top spot went to Chelsea Old Town Hall in London, which scored 86.8 — a reflection of the capital’s dominance of the micro wedding scene, with four of the top five venues located in London.
The ranking reflects a growing national trend towards smaller, more intimate weddings. Searches for “how much is a registry office wedding UK” have grown 1,200% in the past year, while searches for “registry office wedding package” are up 967%.
The trend has been driven partly by high-profile celebrity weddings including that of singer Charli XCX and Made in Chelsea stars Sophie Habboo and Jamie Laing.
The Brangwyn Hall’s main room at its most atmospheric — the British Empire Panels by Sir Frank Brangwyn provide a dramatic backdrop for evening events. Image: Brangwyn HallBrangwyn Hall is one of Wales’ most distinctive event venues — and one with a history that goes well beyond weddings. Built as part of Swansea’s Guildhall and opened in 1934, the hall was originally designed to house the British Empire Panels: sixteen large paintings by artist Sir Frank Brangwyn, commissioned in 1924 for the Royal Gallery of the House of Lords to commemorate the First World War.
The House of Lords rejected them — reportedly because they were considered too colourful and spirited — and Swansea Council acquired them instead. The panels now line the walls of the hall, making it one of the most visually striking wedding backdrops in Wales.
The venue offers spaces ranging from the intimate Lord Mayor’s Room to the grand main hall, with capacity for between 20 and 500 guests.
The George Hall — the smaller of the Guildhall complex’s two main rooms, with its ornate coffered ceiling and gold friezes. Image: Brangwyn HallThe Guildhall complex has also served as a backdrop for some major screen productions. The building’s imposing neoclassical exterior and Art Deco interior have made it a favourite with film and TV producers.
Most notably, the complex featured in the Netflix blockbuster Havoc, starring Tom Hardy and Forest Whitaker, which used both the Guildhall exterior and the Brangwyn Hall interior for key scenes. Described as the largest feature film ever shot entirely in Wales, Havoc transformed the building into an American police precinct. The Guildhall has also featured in the BBC’s Sherlock and multiple episodes of Doctor Who.
The George Hall set for a wedding breakfast — one of several rooms in the Guildhall complex available for civil ceremonies and celebrations. Image: Brangwyn HallThe hall’s profile as a wedding venue may be about to grow further. Swansea’s register office is currently housed at the Civic Centre on the waterfront — one of the last council services still operating from the brutalist building.
The Civic Centre is earmarked for a major redevelopment as a new City Waterfront district with apartments, an aquarium and a lido. It is understood that as the Civic Centre moves closer to redevelopment, the register office could relocate to the Guildhall complex — which would make the Grade I listed building the official home of Swansea’s civil ceremonies as well as one of the city’s most sought-after wedding venues.
The full top ten, according to SIXT ride’s analysis, is: Chelsea Old Town Hall, The Old Marylebone Town Hall, Islington Town Hall, Manchester Town Hall, Hackney Town Hall, Cheltenham Town Hall, Oxford Town Hall, Orleans House Gallery in Twickenham, and jointly in ninth place, Sheffield Town Hall and Brangwyn Hall.
The Guildhall’s Portland stone facade and colourful stained glass windows — designed by Sir Percy Thomas and opened in 1934. Image: Brangwyn HallRelated stories from Swansea Bay News
Flats, aquarium and lido: Swansea’s Civic Centre plans move closer as cabinet gives green light
The redevelopment plans that could see the register office leave the Civic Centre.Y Storfa opens in Swansea city centre as council services move from Civic
The register office is one of the last services still operating from the Civic Centre.Swansea Bay’s best businesses scoop top gongs at packed Brangwyn Hall awards
#BrangwynHall #CivicCentre #GeorgeHall #Guildhall #GuildhallSwansea #Swansea #weddingVenue #Weddings
One of many major events the venue hosts each year. -
£20m boost for Swansea Civic Centre days after MP’s call for action
In an opinion piece published by Swansea Bay News on Sunday, Mr Bell said reviving the Civic Centre should be the city’s “next big regeneration step” — and urged momentum behind the proposals.
Now, that push appears to have paid off.
The funding follows months of campaigning by the MP and is being described as a key step towards turning recently unveiled plans for the Civic Centre into reality — although it will still need to go through further checks, including due diligence and approval of a final business case, before it is formally released.
Those plans — drawn up with Swansea Council and development partners Urban Splash — would see the site transformed into a mixed-use destination, featuring cafes, bars, shops, workspaces and leisure space, alongside around 140 apartments and 15 commercial units.
Headline attractions include proposals for a saltwater lido and a new aquarium, with the latter designed as a “next generation” visitor experience combining live marine exhibits with cutting-edge digital technology.
The attraction is also expected to work closely with Swansea University’s marine experts, with a strong focus on education and conservation.
Swansea Bay News has charted the rapid progress of the scheme in recent weeks, from the release of the first artist impressions to cabinet backing and strong public interest during consultation.
But until now, a central question has remained: how the transformation would actually be funded.
The £20 million investment from the UK Government begins to answer that — and is expected to help unlock the next phase of the project as it moves beyond consultation, with a planning application anticipated later this year.
An artist’s impression showing how part of the redeveloped Civic Centre site could look, with new cafés, bars, leisure spaces and a busy seafront promenade.
(Image: Urban Splash / Swansea Council)For decades, the Civic Centre has served as a base for council services, but with departments now relocating — including to the new Y Storfa hub — attention has quickly turned to the future of the prominent seafront complex.
Torsten Bell, MP for Swansea West said securing “major investment” in what he describes as an “iconic Swansea landmark” has been a “personal priority”.
Mr Bell said: “With £20m funding from the UK Labour Government, this is another big step forward for the city.
“With its prime spot overlooking the splendid curve of our beach, the building is crying out for a new lease of life. And that is exactly what we are going to give it, as we keep investing in Swansea’s future, not just remembering its past.
“Great progress has been made with the opening of Y Storfa and regeneration of the Palace Theatre. Works to improve Castle Gardens and open new offices from the Kingsway to St David’s are also underway. The momentum is real – it’s vital we harness it.”
He added that the Civic Centre funding is part of a wider package of UK Government investment in Swansea, including a further £20 million through the Pride in Place scheme, as well as commitments to rail improvements and the proposed Swansea Bay Metro.
A visual of the proposed Civic Centre plaza, featuring new public spaces, landscaping and a landmark aquarium building.
(Image: Urban Splash / Swansea Council)Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said the funding represented a major vote of confidence in the city’s wider regeneration plans.
He said: “We want to see the Civic Centre transformed into a high-quality landmark destination for living, working and enjoying, with new homes, independent businesses and leisure spaces that benefit local people while attracting more visitors to Swansea.”
He added that the waterfront site offered “one of the most spectacular locations in the UK” and said the investment would help the project move forward more quickly.
Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, said the funding would help unlock the full potential of the site.
She said: “This investment will help deliver ambitious plans for the Civic Centre and transform this part of the city, making the most of its spectacular location and strengthening Swansea as a destination for visitors.”
The redevelopment also forms part of a broader wave of regeneration across the city, linking the waterfront site with ongoing changes in the city centre and beyond.
If delivered, the scheme could provide a significant boost to the local economy, with estimates suggesting it could generate around £17 million a year and support more than 300 jobs across hospitality, retail, leisure and building management, alongside additional roles linked to the proposed aquarium.
While key details — including timelines for construction and how the scheme will be delivered — are still to be confirmed, a planning application is expected later this year as proposals continue to be developed.
The funding itself remains subject to final approvals, but the announcement marks the clearest sign yet that the recently revealed plans are now moving from ambition towards delivery.
And coming just days after the issue was put firmly back in the spotlight, it suggests momentum around Swansea’s Civic Centre is building fast.
#cityDevelopment #CivicCentre #CivicCentrePlans #civicCentreRedevelopment #CllrRobStewart #featured #JoStevens #PrideInPlace #PrideInPlaceFund #RobStewart #SwanseaBay #SwanseaBayMetro #SwanseaCivicCentre #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaNews #SwanseaRegeneration #TorstenBell #TorstenBellMP #UKGovernment #UKGovernmentFunding #UrbanSplash #waterfrontRegeneration -
Flats, aquarium and lido: Swansea’s Civic Centre plans move closer as cabinet gives green light
Swansea Council’s cabinet has approved further work to develop the detail of a planning application for the seafront building, which is expected to be submitted later this year.
The council’s regeneration partners Urban Splash are leading the project. Their proposals — which drew large crowds when they went on public display in January — would see the ground and lower ground floors converted into 15 commercial units including cafes, bars and shops, with around 140 apartments on the upper floors.
The plans also include a new aquarium and a saltwater lido on the site, which sits on the seafront between the Swansea Arena and the bay.
Council leader Rob Stewart said the Civic Centre “sits on one of the most spectacular waterfront sites in the UK” and that he wanted to see it become “a vibrant destination with new homes, independent businesses, leisure and community spaces that will benefit local people while attracting more visitors to Swansea.”
He added that the building’s redevelopment was “the first phase of a bigger vision for the overall Civic Centre site, which — once delivered — will further strengthen Swansea’s reputation as a leading waterfront destination.”
Artist’s impression of the proposed City Waterfront district, showing the repurposed Civic Centre building and new seafront public spaces.
(Image: Urban Splash)Urban Splash development director David Warburton said the company saw “enormous potential” in the site.
He said:
“It’s an extraordinary building in an unrivalled waterfront location, and we see enormous potential to create a place that people will want to live in, visit and spend time in.
“Our ambition is to sensitively repurpose the building, delivering high-quality homes alongside dynamic spaces for independent businesses, hospitality, leisure and community uses — creating activity throughout the day and into the evening.”
The building has been largely empty since council services were moved out to the new Y Storfa hub on Oxford Street, which opened in December. The former BHS building now houses the central library, the contact centre, revenues and benefits, and the West Glamorgan Archive Service — all of which had previously been based at the Civic Centre.
Y Storfa attracted thousands of visitors in its opening weeks, with the council describing the new hub as “busy every day” since its doors opened.
The Civic Centre redevelopment is the first phase of a wider masterplan for the seafront site. It forms part of the council’s broader ‘Future Swansea’ vision for the city centre and waterfront, a draft document published last month that sets out how the council wants the area to develop over the next eight to ten years.
Urban Splash is also behind plans for a new riverside neighbourhood in St Thomas, which would include more than 150 homes. The company specialises in the regeneration of historic and complex buildings across the UK.
A planning application for the Civic Centre is expected to be submitted in the coming months, after which it will be considered by the council’s planning committee.
#CivicCentre #civicCentreRedevelopment #featured #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #UrbanSplash -
https://www.europesays.com/ie/346403/ Beyond Imported Icons: Tao Ho and a Local Modernism for Hong Kong #Architecture #Architecture&Planning #Arts #ArtsAndDesign #ArtsCenter #ArtsAndDesign #ArtsDesign #Brutalism #BuiltEnvironment #Civic #CivicCentre #CivicDesign #CommunityArtsCenter #concrete #ConcreteBuildings #Design #Éire #Entertainment #ExposedConcrete #Gymnasium #HighSchool #HongKong #IE #Ireland #Modernism #MultiFunctionHall #ReligiousArchitecture #ResidentialArchitecture #slope #TaoHo #UrbanDesign
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Crowds flock for first look at dramatic Civic Centre makeover plans
Residents packed into the Y Storfa community hub last week as Swansea Council and regeneration firm Urban Splash unveiled early ideas for one of the most high‑profile redevelopment sites in Wales.
The proposals — still at an early stage — include new cafés and bars overlooking the bay, beach‑sports shops, apartments, workspaces, a dedicated events venue, and even a brand‑new aquarium on the waterfront.
It’s the boldest vision yet for the huge seafront plot, which the council says could become a “once‑in‑a‑generation” destination for locals and visitors.
An artist’s impression showing how part of the redeveloped Civic Centre site could look, with new cafés, bars, leisure spaces and a busy seafront promenade.
(Image: Urban Splash / Swansea Council)First Minister drops in for a look
Among those getting an early peek was First Minister Eluned Morgan, who visited Y Storfa during the two‑day exhibition. The hub itself is part‑funded by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.
For anyone who missed the event, the full proposals — along with a feedback form — are now available online, with more public engagement promised in the months ahead.
“Shaping something special for Swansea”
Urban Splash, the award‑winning regeneration specialists appointed to deliver the 20‑year partnership across seven Swansea sites, said the turnout showed just how much appetite there is for change.
Development director David Warburton said the response had been “fantastic”.
“We’re at the very start of shaping something special for the Civic Centre site,” he said. “Local insight is invaluable, and there’ll be plenty more opportunities for people to have their say.”
A visual of the proposed Civic Centre plaza, featuring new public spaces, landscaping and a landmark aquarium building.
(Image: Urban Splash / Swansea Council)Council: “People care deeply about this site”
Council leader Cllr Rob Stewart said the early reaction proved how important the location is to Swansea residents.
“This is a landmark site and people care deeply about its future,” he said. “Working with Urban Splash gives us a once‑in‑a‑generation chance to reimagine the Civic Centre as a vibrant destination for residents, businesses and visitors.”
He added that the council is committed to keeping local people “at the heart of the project”.
Residents study detailed plans for Swansea’s City Waterfront project during the Civic Centre public engagement event.
(Image: Swansea Council)Part of a wider city shake‑up
The Civic Centre revamp is just one of several major schemes being brought forward under the Urban Splash partnership.
Last autumn, the company revealed plans for a seven‑acre riverside neighbourhood in St Thomas, including more than 150 homes — half of them affordable — a landmark six‑storey building, shared gardens, improved river walkways and new space for shops, cafés and leisure.
The Civic Centre proposals are expected to evolve over the coming months as more public feedback is gathered.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Public invited to give views on new Civic Centre plans as fresh artist’s impression released
Early visuals revealed as residents asked to help shape the future of the seafront site.New artist’s impression reveals dramatic transformation planned for Swansea’s Civic Centre site
A bold new vision shows how the waterfront could be turned into a major destination.Plans unveiled for 150‑home riverside neighbourhood in St Thomas
#Aquarium #CivicCentre #civicCentreRedevelopment #ElunedMorganMS #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #UrbanSplash #YStorfa
Urban Splash outlines proposals for a new community with homes, green spaces and riverside walkways. -
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.”
Visitors gather at the main reception desk inside Y Storfa on opening day.
(Image: Swansea Council)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.”
Bilingual signage marks the entrance to the Children’s Library at Y Storfa.
(Image: Swansea Council)The library space at Y Storfa features modern furnishings and seasonal decorations.
(Image: Swansea Council)Staff members at the new Children’s Library inside Y Storfa, part of Swansea Central Library’s relocated services.
(Image: Swansea Council)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
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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.
Poster at Swansea Central Library informing visitors about the forthcoming move to Y Storfa.
(Image: Swansea Council)Artist’s impression of how Swansea Central Library will look inside Y Storfa.
(Image: Swansea Council)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.”
Artist’s impression of Y Storfa, opposite Swansea’s new-look Castle Square.(Image: Swansea Council)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