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  1. Drone video shows Swansea’s ‘living building’ rising above city skyline

    Woolies reborn

    Commissioned by Powell Dobson architects, the aerial video shows the former Woolworths site transformed into the Biophilic Living Biome, a development led by Hacer Developments in partnership with housing group Pobl.

    The footage captures the adjoining 13‑storey tower climbing above the city centre. While the structure is visibly taking shape, the green planting and rooftop gardens promised as part of the scheme are yet to be installed.

    A UK first

    The project has been described as the UK’s first “living building,” designed to blend homes, workplaces and nature in the heart of Swansea. Once complete, it will accommodate up to 500 people through the jobs and apartments it creates.

    Earlier this week, Swansea Bay News reported on new grant funding pledged to support the commercial elements of the development, part of wider investment in Welsh town and city centres.

    Greenhouse in the sky

    Due for completion in the first half of 2026, the scheme will feature a four‑storey urban greenhouse, rooftop gardens, wildflower borders and green spaces. Apartments managed by Pobl will sit alongside an education facility, retail units and around 32,000 square feet of commercial floor space.

    The building will also incorporate a bio‑solar roof, ambient loop heating and sustainable drainage systems, powered by solar energy and an air source heat system.

    Artist’s impression of the ‘Biophilic’ living building under construction between the Kingsway and Oxford Street in Swansea city centre.

    Wider regeneration

    The ‘living building’ is part of a wider programme worth more than £1bn that is reshaping Swansea city centre. Other projects include the nearby office scheme at 71/72 Kingsway, developed by Swansea Council and part‑funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal, which is already 80% let.

    Funding

    The Biophilic Living Biome is being funded by a mix of private sector investment, the Welsh Government’s Innovative Housing Programme, Pobl and the Development Bank of Wales.

    Related stories from Swansea Bay News

    Millions pledged to revive Welsh centres
    Grant funding announced to support commercial elements of Swansea’s ‘living building’ and other town centre schemes.

    City centre Biophilic Swansea scheme a UK first
    Developers say the Oxford Street project will set a new benchmark for green regeneration.

    City centre living building scheme set for late summer finish
    Construction milestones revealed as the tower rises over Swansea’s skyline.

    University expertise to help residents grow food on roof
    Swansea University teams up with developers to support rooftop food production at the Biome.

    #apartments #biophilicBuilding #construction #droneVideo #Hacer #Kingsway #KingswayRegeneration #livingBuilding #OxfordStreet #Pobl #PowellDobsonArchitects #regeneration #Swansea