#cllrelliottking — Public Fediverse posts

SWANSEA: Crowds watch the Helwick slip out of the marina at sunset — as her £450,000 restoration begins

Crowds lined Swansea Marina on Thursday evening to watch the Helwick lightship leave her berth — towed through the lock at sunset on the first leg of a £450,000 restoration.

The red-hulled vessel — moored in the marina since the late 1970s — was eased past the Pump House by the Swansea tug Veronica D on her way to Swansea Dry Dock.

Onlookers filled the quaysides and the lock edge to see her go, with phones held up as the sun went down over the masts.

Swansea Council says the restoration work will preserve the lightship for future generations, and that she will return to the marina “in a far better condition”.

Cabinet approved the spending of around £450,000 on the vessel last October, as part of what the council describes as a long-term approach to managing its maritime heritage responsibly.

Cllr Elliott King, cabinet member for culture, human rights and equalities, said: “This is an important step in safeguarding the Helwick and ensuring it can continue to be enjoyed as part of Swansea’s maritime heritage and the marina.”

“The Helwick is an important part of Swansea’s story at sea,” he added. “It has strong historical and cultural value for the city, and this work ensures it can continue to be part of our maritime heritage for many years to come.”

The move is one of four changes to the historic vessels associated with the marina — and not all of them are staying.

The Olga — a pilot cutter dating from 1909 which, like the Helwick, is listed in the National Historic Fleet of around 200 vessels of national significance — has been transferred to a specialist boatyard in Gloucester, where the council says she is being prepared for sale so she can continue under new ownership.

That marks a change from last October, when the Olga was one of three council-owned vessels earmarked for protection.

The steam tug Canning, built in 1954, is being moved towards what the council calls a new long-term home with a specialist maritime organisation. Talks with the Steam Boat Trust — which hoped to restore her over 18 months and potentially move her to its preserved fleet in Rochester — were already under way last autumn.

The Seamark, meanwhile, was removed from the marina last month and taken to Swansea Dry Dock to be dismantled.

The council says the Seamark had been abandoned in the marina for more than a decade, that efforts to trace her owners were unsuccessful, and that her condition had deteriorated to the point where she posed an environmental and pollution risk.

Cllr King said the council had taken “a practical and responsible approach” to the vessel, which was not part of its heritage collection but “had been posing environmental and safety risks to the area”.

“Our priority is to strike the right balance between preserving heritage and ensuring the marina remains safe, sustainable and well managed,” he said.

He said each vessel had been considered individually, taking account of ownership, condition, heritage value, environmental risk and the availability of specialist expertise.

No date has been given for the Helwick’s return. Under the plan approved in October, she will remain a static exhibit in the marina rather than being opened for the public to board.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

£450k plan to restore Swansea Marina’s Helwick lightship
The October cabinet decision behind this week’s move — and the plans for all four vessels.

SWANSEA: Scaffolding tops the copperworks chimneys — as engine house restoration gathers pace
Another piece of the city’s industrial heritage under restoration this summer.

SWANSEA FERRY: Halfpenny rowboats, paddle steamers and the night boat to Cork
The many ferry ages of Swansea — two centuries of the city’s story at sea.

SWANSEA: Dylan Thomas museum shortlisted for national award for third year running

A Swansea museum dedicated to Dylan Thomas has been shortlisted for a national award for the third year running.

The Dylan Thomas Exhibition, at the Dylan Thomas Centre in the city’s Maritime Quarter, is again in the running for Best Small Museum at the Kids in Museums Awards.

The exhibition made the same shortlist in both 2024 and 2025, and its place among the 2026 finalists marks a third consecutive nomination.

The recognition centres on the centre’s ‘Love the Words’ exhibition and its family-focused programme, which aims to bring the poet’s work to life for younger visitors.

Run by Swansea Council, the centre celebrates the life and legacy of one of Wales’ best-known literary figures.

Cllr Elliott King, the council’s cabinet member for culture, human rights and equalities, welcomed the shortlisting as a proud moment for the team.

He said Thomas’ imaginative use of language continued to inspire, and that staff were passionate about sharing that creativity with children and families.

King also thanked the charity Kids in Museums, and the families who had put the centre forward for the award.

The exhibition uses interactive displays, multimedia features and original artefacts to explore Thomas’ life, his ties to Swansea, and his worldwide influence.

A children’s trail and a programme of hands-on activities are designed to make the visit accessible for all ages.

Judges praised the centre’s inclusive approach and its community partnerships, singling out its work to support families through the cost-of-living squeeze.

Visitors quoted by the council described the centre as welcoming and creative, praising its calm, sensory-friendly space and opportunities for imaginative play.

The ‘Love the Words’ exhibition opened in October 2014, on what would have been Thomas’ 100th birthday, backed by £935,700 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

It tells the story of the poet’s life from his birth in Swansea in 1914 to his death in New York in 1953, and remains free to enter.

The Dylan Thomas Centre is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 10am to 4.30pm.

The Kids in Museums Awards are organised by the charity of the same name, with the winners due to be announced in October.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Dylan Thomas Exhibition in running for national award
The Swansea centre was shortlisted in the same Best Small Museum category in 2025.

A green jewel turns 100: how Singleton’s Botanical Gardens grew from kitchen plot to city treasure
Another Swansea cultural landmark marking a milestone this year.

New artist’s impression reveals dramatic transformation planned for Civic Centre site
How Swansea’s waterfront and cultural quarter could be reshaped.

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.

Philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein honoured with blue plaque at Langland Bay

The plaque has been installed on the promenade wall near the Hole in the Wall Café — a spot the philosopher is believed to have walked past many times during his visits to the area.

It is the latest addition to Swansea Council’s blue plaque scheme, which celebrates the city’s heritage and has now been running for 12 years.

Wittgenstein’s Swansea connection

Born in Vienna in 1889, Wittgenstein is widely regarded as one of the greatest philosophers of the modern era, best known for his work in logic, mathematics, the philosophy of mind and language.

His visits to Swansea were prompted by his close friendship with philosopher Rush Rhees, who taught at Swansea University from 1940 to 1966. Wittgenstein often stayed at guest houses in Langland and Uplands, spending time walking the Gower coastline and developing ideas that would shape his later work.

It is believed these summers had a profound influence on his thinking. In a 1945 letter to his friend Norman Malcolm, Wittgenstein reflected warmly on his time in Swansea, writing:

“I know quite a number of people here whom I like. I seem to find it more easy to get along with them here than in England. I feel much more often like smiling.”

Recognition and legacy

The plaque was proposed by Dr Alan Sandry, Senior Lecturer in the School of Management at Swansea University.

Cllr Elliott King, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, said:

“Ludwig Wittgenstein’s connection to Swansea is a remarkable story that links our city to one of the greatest minds of the 20th century. His time here influenced his thinking and helped inspire a generation of philosophers at Swansea University. The blue plaque scheme allows us to celebrate these powerful connections and share them with residents and visitors, helping shine a light on the people who have shaped our city’s cultural and intellectual heritage.”

Swansea’s blue plaque scheme

The scheme is open to nominations from the public for people and places of historic interest. Other recipients include architect Glendenning Moxham, musician Pete Ham, novelist Ann of Swansea, anti‑slavery campaigner Jessie Donaldson, polar explorer Edgar Evans, and the Vetch Field.

#bluePlaque #cllrElliottKing #drAlanSandry #heritage #holeInTheWallCafe #langlandBay #ludwigWittgenstein #philosopher #schoolOfManagement #swansea #swanseaCouncil #swanseaUniversity

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

Artists set to commemorate those affected by Covid in Swansea

The council has jointly appointed Catrin Jones and Angharad Pearce Jones and makes this announcement just before this Sunday’s UK-wide Covid Day of Reflection.

Council leader Rob Stewart said: “The impact of Covid continues to live with us every day.

“We promised all those in Swansea affected by the pandemic – those who lost their lives, their families, our emergency services, social care workers, those who stepped up to support their neighbours and very many more – that we would honour and remember them.

“The memorial will be a permanent focal point of recognition for those that were affected for remembrance and reflection, for the unity that was inspired by our collective experience and hope for the future.

“Swansea’s Covid-19 memorial will be shaped by the voices of those it represents.

“Through community engagement led by the artists and supported by the council, we want to ensure that the location, design and meaning of this tribute reflect the experiences, resilience and memories of Swansea.”

Elliott King, cabinet member for culture and equalities, said: “It will be a challenging piece of work because, for many of us, the impact of the pandemic was felt at such a personal level.

“We’ll never forget those who died or their families. We’ll all have our own stories and memories of sadness, togetherness and hope, and our aspiration is that this will be reflected in the designs Catrin and Angharad bring forward as a unifying and poignant memorial.”

Catrin and Angharad were appointed following an open application process, inviting UK artists to participate. Both artists have created works of public art located across the UK, including in Swansea.

Catrin created the acclaimed sea-life murals on the new seawall in Mumbles. A 50m work in tubular steel created by Angharad and commissioned by Sustrans can be found on railway bridge sidings in Clydach near the Mond Nickel plant.

In their successful submission, the artists said any memorial should commemorate not just the bereaved, but also the health and social care staff, the frontline workers, the scientists who developed the vaccines, and everyone else whose combined efforts played some part in combatting the virus.

They’re aware of how Covid impacted – and continues to have an impact on – society through matters such as long Covid, and children and young people in education. It’s planned that their commission will involve community engagement to create an overarching narrative.

Catrin Jones said: “This is an important commission for both of us and we look forward to working together to deliver a meaningful and poignant piece of public art for Swansea.” 

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

#AngharadPearceJones #Art #CatrinJones #CllrElliottKing #CllrRobStewart #COVID #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil

Artists set to commemorate those affected by Covid in Swansea

The council has jointly appointed Catrin Jones and Angharad Pearce Jones and makes this announcement just before this Sunday’s UK-wide Covid Day of Reflection.

Council leader Rob Stewart said: “The impact of Covid continues to live with us every day.

“We promised all those in Swansea affected by the pandemic – those who lost their lives, their families, our emergency services, social care workers, those who stepped up to support their neighbours and very many more – that we would honour and remember them.

“The memorial will be a permanent focal point of recognition for those that were affected for remembrance and reflection, for the unity that was inspired by our collective experience and hope for the future.

“Swansea’s Covid-19 memorial will be shaped by the voices of those it represents.

“Through community engagement led by the artists and supported by the council, we want to ensure that the location, design and meaning of this tribute reflect the experiences, resilience and memories of Swansea.”

Elliott King, cabinet member for culture and equalities, said: “It will be a challenging piece of work because, for many of us, the impact of the pandemic was felt at such a personal level.

“We’ll never forget those who died or their families. We’ll all have our own stories and memories of sadness, togetherness and hope, and our aspiration is that this will be reflected in the designs Catrin and Angharad bring forward as a unifying and poignant memorial.”

Catrin and Angharad were appointed following an open application process, inviting UK artists to participate. Both artists have created works of public art located across the UK, including in Swansea.

Catrin created the acclaimed sea-life murals on the new seawall in Mumbles. A 50m work in tubular steel created by Angharad and commissioned by Sustrans can be found on railway bridge sidings in Clydach near the Mond Nickel plant.

In their successful submission, the artists said any memorial should commemorate not just the bereaved, but also the health and social care staff, the frontline workers, the scientists who developed the vaccines, and everyone else whose combined efforts played some part in combatting the virus.

They’re aware of how Covid impacted – and continues to have an impact on – society through matters such as long Covid, and children and young people in education. It’s planned that their commission will involve community engagement to create an overarching narrative.

Catrin Jones said: “This is an important commission for both of us and we look forward to working together to deliver a meaningful and poignant piece of public art for Swansea.” 

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

#AngharadPearceJones #Art #CatrinJones #CllrElliottKing #CllrRobStewart #COVID #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil