#officedevelopment — Public Fediverse posts

SWANSEA: Labour signed a deal to move Welsh Government offices from Penllergaer to the city centre. Plaid won’t say if they’ll honour it.

A pre-election agreement to base Welsh Government staff in Swansea’s new city centre public sector hub is hanging in the balance — after the incoming Plaid Cymru administration said it would review its office estate as a new government, with no decisions yet taken on any specific sites.

Swansea Council confirmed it had been in advanced talks with the previous Labour Welsh Government to secure a formal and physical presence for Welsh Government staff in the new five-storey hub being built at the former St David’s Shopping Centre site — and that letters of intent had been exchanged before the Senedd election.

A council spokesperson said: “We were engaging with the Welsh Government prior to the Senedd elections to look at options for them to have a formal and physical presence in Swansea city centre, which supports our regeneration activities and their investment in town and city centres. Now that a new government is in place we will open up this dialogue again with the hope of concluding discussions as soon as we are able to.”

The Welsh Government did not confirm the pre-election agreement, but said no decisions had been taken on future accommodation arrangements, including whether any specific sites would be used or how much space might be occupied.

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “As a new administration, we will take the opportunity to review our office estate as part of good financial and asset management, and we are committed to doing so on a regular basis. As part of that work, a range of potential options will be explored with public sector partners, including different ways of using existing buildings. Any decision on the Welsh Government estate will be for Ministers.”

The proposed deal was understood to have involved the Welsh Government relocating staff from its existing offices near junction 47 of the M4 at Penllergaer to the new city centre hub, with the council potentially taking on the Penllergaer building as part of the arrangement.

That proposal drew pointed criticism from Cllr Chris Holley, the Liberal Democrat leader of the opposition on Swansea Council — and a man with direct experience of the building in question. Cllr Holley led the council between 2004 and 2012, and was at the helm when the Welsh Development Agency was abolished in 2006 and its Penllergaer office was transferred to the Welsh Government.

He said the building had struggled to attract occupants ever since, arguing it had become a liability for the Welsh Government following the WDA’s departure. He said he understood blue light services had already been approached about taking the space and had declined.

“Yes of course [I support Welsh Government jobs in the city centre] — but not at any cost,” Cllr Holley said. “They have lots of offices around Wales, yet we have to swap one for another.”

He also questioned the logic of the council taking on premises that a large organisation had been unable to fill. “If it didn’t work for the Welsh Government, how is it going to work for Swansea Council?” he said.

Welsh Government figures show around 400 staff have their location recorded as Penllergaer — but average daily attendance at the building was running at just 10% in March 2025, well below the two-days-a-week expectation for civil servants. Across its 20 sites in Wales, the Welsh Government employs around 5,700 people at a total annual cost of £24.5 million.

The Penllergaer site has its own complicated history. Swansea Council itself once had offices in the area — the former Lliw Valley Borough Council building, which the authority sold in 2016 partly to address a budget deficit. That site was sold to Carmarthenshire developer Enzo Developments, who later received planning permission for 80 homes and a preserved Grade II listed equatorial observatory — though Enzo’s Homes subsequently went into liquidation on a separate development in 2025.

The public sector hub at the heart of the proposed deal is the first building in the new Porth Copr district — the area that will eventually replace the former St David’s Shopping Centre car park, knitting together Copr Bay, St Mary’s Square and the Quadrant. Work on the site is already under way, with the hub designed to anchor public sector workers in the city centre and generate daily footfall for traders.

The council’s own commitment to the hub is separately driven by its planned departure from the seafront Civic Centre — which received a £20 million UK Government funding boost in March to support its redevelopment for housing, leisure and commercial uses.

Meanwhile, the Penllergaer business park has its own new chapter under way nearby — with a major logistics depot, understood to be an Amazon last-mile delivery hub, approved on an adjacent site in March, already raising questions about the capacity of junction 47 to absorb the additional traffic.

Council leader Rob Stewart was contacted for comment.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Work begins at former St David’s site for major new office development
Site investigation works are under way at the former St David’s Shopping Centre as the new public sector hub moves forward.

£20m boost for Swansea Civic Centre days after MPs call for action
UK Government funding confirmed for the redevelopment of the seafront Civic Centre site.

Giant distribution warehouse approved next to M4 — but will Junction 47 grind to a halt?
A major last-mile delivery hub approved at Penllergaer Business Park raises serious traffic concerns.

Carmarthenshire house builder goes into liquidation leaving half-built development
Enzo’s Homes, which bought the former Lliw Valley council offices site at Penllergaer, went into liquidation in 2025.

SWANSEA: Kingsway office block on old Oceana nightclub site named most impressive commercial workplace in South of England and Wales

Generations of Swansea revellers knew 71/72 The Kingsway as Oceana — one of the city’s biggest nightclubs. Now the site has won two national awards as one of the most impressive new office buildings in the South of England and South Wales.

71/72 Kingsway — the striking glass and concrete building that replaced the former nightclub — took home both the Commercial Workplace award and the Innovation award at the British Council for Offices South of England & South Wales Awards, held in Bristol on Wednesday night.

It was the only building in the competition to win two categories — beating schemes in Penzance, Maidenhead, Bracknell and Bristol to claim the double. It is also the only Welsh winner in this year’s competition.

Judges said the building “stood out for its seamless integration of architectural quality, sustainability, and user-focused innovation” — and called it “an enabler for future regeneration of Swansea city centre, with multiple active frontages, new routes, and a bold architectural approach.”

Swansea Council built the development — partly funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal — with the ambition of turning The Kingsway into a proper business district. The numbers suggest it is working. Around 80% of the office space is already let, and the council estimates that once fully occupied, the building could create up to 600 jobs and contribute £32.6 million to the city’s economy every year.

The building is already filling up fast. Global workspace giant IWG — which runs Regus — signed for 20,000 sq ft earlier this year, joining TUI, Amazon-owned Veeqo, Optical Express, sk:n clinic and Futures First as tenants.

Harry Allen, chair of the judging panel and director at Savills, said what stood out about this year’s winners was their impact beyond the workplace itself.

“From revitalising town centres and supporting local economies to redefining the role of the modern office, each scheme demonstrates how far the sector has evolved,” he said. “Collectively, they reflect a growing emphasis on sustainability, wellbeing and creating workspaces with a strong sense of place.”

BCO chief executive Samantha McClary said the Swansea win was proof that reports of the death of the office had been greatly exaggerated.

“Vibrant, impactful, enablers, drivers of economic growth — this is exactly what our workspaces are,” she said. “The idea that the office is dead is most definitely fake news.”

Inside, the building is as striking as its exterior. A stepped timber forum runs the length of the ground floor, lit by dozens of circular pendant lights. A sculptural spiral staircase connects the upper floors. A rooftop terrace — where Swansea’s big wheel is visible on the skyline — sits above it all.

The award is the latest piece of good news for Swansea’s city centre regeneration. The former Debenhams building — long a symbol of high street decline — was sold earlier this month to Quadrant owners Centurion, with three major new tenants expected to be named soon.

71/72 Kingsway now goes forward to the BCO National Awards on 6 October 2026 at Grosvenor House in London — competing against regional winners from across the UK for the top national prizes.

The building sits at the heart of a Kingsway that looks very different to the one that hosted Oceana, Top Rank and a succession of entertainment venues across the decades — and the council’s bet that offices, not nightclubs, are the future of the street appears to be paying off.

Work is already under way on a further major office development at the former St David’s Shopping Centre site nearby, with Swansea’s transformation as a modern commercial centre gathering pace on multiple fronts simultaneously.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

SWANSEA: Global workspace giant IWG takes huge 20,000 sq ft at booming Kingsway development
The latest big name to sign up at 71/72 Kingsway — and what it means for the city centre.

SWANSEA: Debenhams building sold to Quadrant owners as three major new tenants set to be named ‘within days’
More good news for Swansea city centre as the former Debenhams finds a new owner and new purpose.

All our 71/72 Kingsway coverage
From demolition of the old Oceana site to award-winning office block — the full story.

https://www.europesays.com/britain/19776/ Tech firms sign for 400,000 sq ft of London office space in a month #AiFirm #anthropic #ArtificialIntelligence #BritishLand #Business #ClaudeOwner #King’sCross #London #LondonOffice #LondonOfficeSpace #News #office #OfficeDevelopment #RoyalLondonAssetManagement #UkTech

SWANSEA: Global workspace giant IWG takes huge 20,000 sq ft at booming Kingsway development

International Working Group (IWG) is fitting out nearly 20,000 square feet at the site, marking another step in the city’s ongoing regeneration efforts.

This move will see new shared offices, private rooms, and meeting areas open in the heart of Swansea.

The 71/72 Kingsway building, developed by Swansea Council and partly funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal, is already proving popular, with 80% of its office space now let.

Council estimates suggest that once fully occupied, the entire development could create up to 600 jobs and boost the city’s economy by £32.6 million each year.

IWG, which runs brands like Regus, is expanding its operations to meet what it calls “rising demand” for flexible working across South Wales.

Mark Dixon, CEO & Founder of IWG, said Swansea was an “important business hub” for their expansion plans.

Mr Dixon stated: “We are very pleased to work in partnership with Swansea Council to add workspace to the 71/72 Kingsway building.”

He claimed that flexible working improves employee work-life balance and boosts productivity.

Mr Dixon added: “Our workplace model is proven to increase productivity and allows for a business to scale up or down at significantly reduced costs while providing access to thousands of locations.”

Swansea Council Leader, Cllr Rob Stewart, welcomed IWG’s arrival, calling it a “strong vote of confidence” in the city.

Cllr Stewart said: “We’re delighted that IWG is now fitting out its space at 71/72 Kingsway, building on the momentum created by other tenants who are already operating from the development.”

He added that IWG’s presence “reflects the growing demand for high-quality, flexible workspaces.”

The 71/72 Kingsway scheme has already attracted other businesses, including Tui, Amazon-owned Veeqo, Optical Express, sk:n, and Futures First.

This influx of companies is expected to increase footfall and support other businesses in the city centre, as part of wider regeneration projects.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Big tech boost as Amazon-owned Veeqo opens new Swansea HQ
How a major Kingsway office move is helping to reshape Swansea’s city centre economy.

Optical Express and sk:n sign up for major new Kingsway office scheme
New tenants underline the push to turn The Kingsway into a modern business district.

New city centre courtyard to honour late council officer Huw Mowbray
A new public space pays tribute to a key figure behind Swansea’s regeneration projects.

Major Swansea office scheme officially opens with further tenant announced
A flagship office development opens its doors as another business signs up to move in.

BOTTOM OF THE PILE: Swansea recorded as weakest for jobs in Wales as payroll numbers plunge

Latest figures for January 2026 reveal that the number of employees on payroll in the city stood at 101,804, marking a -1.3% drop compared to the same month last year. This significant decline places Swansea at the bottom of a league table of 12 Welsh regions, highlighting a challenging period for the local job market.

The data, compiled by employment and pay app WageSight, paints a concerning picture for the region, even as some signs of employer confidence begin to emerge.

A Year of Decline: 1,349 Jobs Vanish

Over the past year, Swansea has seen a net loss of 1,349 jobs, a 1.3% reduction in its payroll headcount. This sustained downturn contrasts with a more mixed employment landscape across the rest of Wales. While Gwynedd topped the table with a 0.3% increase, Swansea languishes at the very bottom.

Alarmingly, the wider region is also feeling the pinch, with Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot ranking 10th with a -0.8% drop, and Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan also struggling at 11th with a -0.9% decline.

Can New Office Space Reverse the Trend?

Despite the challenging figures, city leaders are banking on major new developments to spark a jobs revival. Central to this strategy is the recently completed £33 million 71/72 Kingsway development.

The high-tech office scheme, built on the site of the former Oceana nightclub, is designed to house up to 600 jobs in the digital and tech sectors. It is a cornerstone of the council’s plan to bring high-quality employment back into the heart of the city centre.

Further investment is also being felt at Y Storfa, the council’s new community hub on Oxford Street. The hub is already seeing “record demand” for its services, acting as a catalyst for footfall and supporting the city’s wider economic recovery.

‘Failing to get a grip’ – Political Row Ignites

The figures have sparked a fierce political row, with the Welsh Conservatives claiming the data proves the Welsh Government is “failing to get a grip” on the economy.

National statistics show that Wales currently has the lowest employment rate of all UK nations and the highest economic inactivity rate in Great Britain.

Samuel Kurtz MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Energy, said:

“Labour and Plaid Cymru are failing to get a grip on the economy in Wales. Their stitch-up budget and Rachel Reeves’ tax raises have hit businesses hard and yet again employment remains lower here in Wales than elsewhere.”

The Welsh Conservatives are calling for a “bold tax-cutting agenda,” including cuts to business rates, to jumpstart the flagging job market.

Is a Turning Point on the Horizon?

Paul Hebden, Director at WageSight, commented on the findings, acknowledging the recent month-on-month stabilisation.

“Although employment in Swansea remains lower than a year ago, recent month-on-month figures suggest some stabilisation in recent months. Whether this marks a genuine turning point or a temporary pause in job losses will become clearer over the next few months.”

The Full Welsh Employment League Table

The following table shows how Swansea compares to the rest of Wales for employment change over the last 12 months:

Source: WageSight analysis of Office for National Statistics payroll data (January 2026).

Swansea 2028 Vision Under Scrutiny

The employment figures will undoubtedly spark debate regarding the effectiveness of ongoing regeneration efforts and the ambitious Swansea 2028 vision. With the city aiming for significant economic growth and improved access to skills, the current employment data presents a formidable challenge.

As residents and businesses grapple with the implications of these figures, all eyes will be on future reports to see if Swansea can climb out of the bottom spot and secure a more robust economic future.

The National Pension Service achieved 100% pre-completion leasing for its first overseas office development in Toronto, underscoring its resilience and global investment strategy despite market headwinds.
#YonhapInfomax #NationalPensionService #CIBSquare #OfficeDevelopment #Toronto #FullOccupancy #Economics #FinancialMarkets #Banking #Securities #Bonds #StockMarket
https://en.infomaxai.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=105164

The National Pension Service achieved 100% pre-completion leasing for its first overseas office development in Toronto, underscoring its resilience and global investment strategy despite market headwinds.
#YonhapInfomax #NationalPensionService #CIBSquare #OfficeDevelopment #Toronto #FullOccupancy #Economics #FinancialMarkets #Banking #Securities #Bonds #StockMarket
https://en.infomaxai.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=105164

The National Pension Service achieved 100% pre-completion leasing for its first overseas office development in Toronto, underscoring its resilience and global investment strategy despite market headwinds.
#YonhapInfomax #NationalPensionService #CIBSquare #OfficeDevelopment #Toronto #FullOccupancy #Economics #FinancialMarkets #Banking #Securities #Bonds #StockMarket
https://en.infomaxai.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=105164

The National Pension Service achieved 100% pre-completion leasing for its first overseas office development in Toronto, underscoring its resilience and global investment strategy despite market headwinds.
#YonhapInfomax #NationalPensionService #CIBSquare #OfficeDevelopment #Toronto #FullOccupancy #Economics #FinancialMarkets #Banking #Securities #Bonds #StockMarket
https://en.infomaxai.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=105164

Optical Express and sk:n sign up for major new Kingsway office scheme

Optical Express and partner brand sk:n have taken a ground‑floor unit at the new £32.6m office scheme, bringing private vision correction, cataract consultations and dermatology services into the heart of the city centre. Both say they can offer treatment within days or weeks of first contact.

Swansea Bay News first reported plans for the clinic last April.

New clinic promises rapid access to specialist care

Optical Express, the UK’s market leader in private vision correction surgery, will offer consultations for cataract surgery, presbyopia lens replacement and laser eye surgery. Partner brand sk:n will provide dermatology, aesthetic and laser treatments.

Dr Stephen Hannan, Clinical Services Director for Optical Express and sk:n, said:

“We are delighted to open our new clinic on the Kingsway in Swansea.

“This state‑of‑the‑art, environmentally conscious space provides the ideal setting for Optical Express and sk:n to deliver world‑class care to the local community.

“It reflects our unwavering commitment to exceptional patient experience, supported by the latest technology, modern facilities, and outstanding clinical teams.

“Vision correction surgery not only improves the sight of patients but also their quality of life. As our service delivery progresses, career opportunities will also develop for local people.”

Kingsway development now 80% let

The arrival of Optical Express and sk:n marks another milestone for the 104,000 sq ft Kingsway scheme, which is now 80% let. Staff from Tui, Amazon‑owned tech firm Veeqo, Futures First and building operator Savills are already based there, with flexible workspace provider IWG now fitting out its own space.

Once fully operational, the building will accommodate up to 600 workers and is expected to be worth £32.6m a year to Swansea’s economy.

Council says scheme is boosting footfall and business confidence

Swansea Council says the development is helping address a long‑standing shortage of high‑quality office space in the city, which had previously risked pushing businesses elsewhere.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said:

“There has been a shortage of high‑quality office accommodation in Swansea which meant there was a risk to retaining businesses in the city and attracting new businesses and jobs here.

“The 71/72 Kingsway scheme is aimed at helping tackle that challenge, so I’m delighted to welcome Optical Express and sk:n as the latest tenants for the scheme.

“Given challenges like online shopping, Swansea city centre also needs more footfall and spending to support our existing businesses and encourage more shops and other businesses to open there.

“Numbers of potential customers are key to businesses when they’re considering where to invest, so the 71/72 Kingsway scheme – alongside many others which are either complete, ongoing or planned – will help create those numbers.”

Green features and new public spaces

The development includes a rooftop terrace overlooking Swansea Bay, solar panels, heat‑recovery systems and a new pedestrian link between The Kingsway and Oxford Street.

Work has now begun on a new green courtyard forming part of that link. It will be named Mowbray Yard, in honour of the late Huw Mowbray, a respected Swansea Council officer whose work helped shape the modern city centre.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Big tech boost as Amazon‑owned Veeqo opens new Swansea HQ at 71/72 Kingsway
Amazon‑owned tech firm Veeqo becomes one of the flagship tenants at the new development.

Major Swansea office scheme officially opens with further tenant announced
Swansea’s newest office development opens its doors as more businesses sign up.

New city centre courtyard to honour late council officer Huw Mowbray
A new green courtyard at 71/72 Kingsway will be named Mowbray Yard.

First tenants announced for new Swansea office development
Early sign‑ups revealed for the landmark Kingsway scheme.

Optical and aesthetics clinic proposed for part of new city office development
Initial plans for an Optical Express and sk:n clinic at the Kingsway site.

Site investigation works to start on new city office development

Swansea Council say the works are due to start on Monday 17 March and could take over a week to complete.

The council say the work will help pave the way for a new Public Sector Hub scheme that’s aimed at helping boost city centre footfall.

The grassed area outside St David’s Church Hall will be fenced off while the works are ongoing and the council say that every effort will be made to minimise disruption.

The Public Sector Hub will include commercial floor space for shops and restaurants on the ground floor. Swansea Council and a range of other public sector partners will occupy office space above.

Made up of four floors above ground level and one floor below, the council say that hundreds of workers will be based at the Public Sector Hub.

The council and its regeneration partners Urban Splash will develop the proposed new building, with the council retaining ownership.

This would form part of the first phase of the overall site’s redevelopment being led by Urban Splash, who are continuing to work on plans for the rest of the site.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “We all want our city centre to succeed and to have more shops and other businesses, but we know more footfall is needed to support our existing traders and attract new investment.

“That’s not just the case in Swansea – it’s the same in many other city and town centres across the UK because of challenges like online shopping.

“Schemes like the Public Sector Hub will combine with many others to locate thousands more jobs in the city centre, which will help boost spending there and encourage more shops to open up.

“This scheme will also enable the redevelopment of the Civic Centre site on the seafront. Our regeneration partners Urban Splash are working on detailed proposals for that site, which will be announced as soon as they’re finalised.”

The council say it’s anticipated construction on the Public Sector Hub itself will start on site by the end of 2025.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

#CllrRobStewart #construction #officeDevelopment #PublicSectorHub #regeneration #StDavidSShoppingCentre #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #UrbanSplash

Site investigation works to start on new city office development

Swansea Council say the works are due to start on Monday 17 March and could take over a week to complete.

The council say the work will help pave the way for a new Public Sector Hub scheme that’s aimed at helping boost city centre footfall.

The grassed area outside St David’s Church Hall will be fenced off while the works are ongoing and the council say that every effort will be made to minimise disruption.

The Public Sector Hub will include commercial floor space for shops and restaurants on the ground floor. Swansea Council and a range of other public sector partners will occupy office space above.

Made up of four floors above ground level and one floor below, the council say that hundreds of workers will be based at the Public Sector Hub.

The council and its regeneration partners Urban Splash will develop the proposed new building, with the council retaining ownership.

This would form part of the first phase of the overall site’s redevelopment being led by Urban Splash, who are continuing to work on plans for the rest of the site.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “We all want our city centre to succeed and to have more shops and other businesses, but we know more footfall is needed to support our existing traders and attract new investment.

“That’s not just the case in Swansea – it’s the same in many other city and town centres across the UK because of challenges like online shopping.

“Schemes like the Public Sector Hub will combine with many others to locate thousands more jobs in the city centre, which will help boost spending there and encourage more shops to open up.

“This scheme will also enable the redevelopment of the Civic Centre site on the seafront. Our regeneration partners Urban Splash are working on detailed proposals for that site, which will be announced as soon as they’re finalised.”

The council say it’s anticipated construction on the Public Sector Hub itself will start on site by the end of 2025.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

#CllrRobStewart #construction #officeDevelopment #PublicSectorHub #regeneration #StDavidSShoppingCentre #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #UrbanSplash

Site investigation works to start on new city office development

Swansea Council say the works are due to start on Monday 17 March and could take over a week to complete.

The council say the work will help pave the way for a new Public Sector Hub scheme that’s aimed at helping boost city centre footfall.

The grassed area outside St David’s Church Hall will be fenced off while the works are ongoing and the council say that every effort will be made to minimise disruption.

The Public Sector Hub will include commercial floor space for shops and restaurants on the ground floor. Swansea Council and a range of other public sector partners will occupy office space above.

Made up of four floors above ground level and one floor below, the council say that hundreds of workers will be based at the Public Sector Hub.

The council and its regeneration partners Urban Splash will develop the proposed new building, with the council retaining ownership.

This would form part of the first phase of the overall site’s redevelopment being led by Urban Splash, who are continuing to work on plans for the rest of the site.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “We all want our city centre to succeed and to have more shops and other businesses, but we know more footfall is needed to support our existing traders and attract new investment.

“That’s not just the case in Swansea – it’s the same in many other city and town centres across the UK because of challenges like online shopping.

“Schemes like the Public Sector Hub will combine with many others to locate thousands more jobs in the city centre, which will help boost spending there and encourage more shops to open up.

“This scheme will also enable the redevelopment of the Civic Centre site on the seafront. Our regeneration partners Urban Splash are working on detailed proposals for that site, which will be announced as soon as they’re finalised.”

The council say it’s anticipated construction on the Public Sector Hub itself will start on site by the end of 2025.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

#CllrRobStewart #construction #officeDevelopment #PublicSectorHub #regeneration #StDavidSShoppingCentre #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #UrbanSplash