#swanseacouncil — Public Fediverse posts

SWANSEA: ‘The first time they relaxed into a cuddle’ — foster carer shares the breakthrough moments that change young lives during Foster Care Fortnight

The first time a baby relaxes into a cuddle. The moment a withdrawn child begins to seek comfort. A routine that finally feels calm.

For foster carers in Swansea, these small moments can be the clearest sign of something much bigger — a child starting to feel safe.

Sarah Motley, who fosters babies and infants on a short-term basis with Foster Wales Swansea, has described what those breakthroughs mean in practice.

She recalled caring for a baby who arrived “very quiet and withdrawn” and said the first day was worrying because the child “didn’t cry or seek comfort, which felt unusual and quite worrying for a child that age.”

Over time, with a calm and consistent approach, she began to see small but important changes. “They slowly became more responsive and eventually began to seek comfort,” she said. “The first time they relaxed into a cuddle was incredibly special — it felt like the moment they realised they were safe and could trust.”

A national survey commissioned by Foster Wales found around 80% of foster carers have supported children displaying trauma-related behaviours such as anxiety, emotional shutdown or intense reactions. Half said they noticed a meaningful breakthrough within the first six months, while 93% said they are now confident in responding to trauma-related behaviour.

Sarah said fostering has deepened her understanding of why children come into care and challenged some of her previous assumptions, giving her “greater compassion for both children and their birth families.” She said the support available through Foster Wales Swansea — including a dedicated social worker, training, and a community of other fostering families — is essential.

“Fostering can be both rewarding and challenging, and knowing there is always someone to guide and reassure you makes a huge difference,” she said. “There is also a wide range of training available, both online and in person, which I really value.”

Foster Wales Swansea is keen to dispel some of the common myths that put people off — you don’t need to own your home, be in a relationship, or give up work to foster. More than 140 local families currently foster with the service, and no two are the same. There is no upper age limit, and anyone who is an adult with the right commitment and maturity can apply.

Foster carers in Swansea receive a weekly child allowance ranging from £246 to £298 depending on the age of the child, which covers the child’s food, clothing and other needs. A separate carer’s fee is also paid on top to recognise the time, skills and experience involved — fostering is not a conventional job but a round-the-clock skilled vocation.

Foster Care Fortnight — the UK’s largest annual campaign to raise awareness of fostering — runs throughout May, with this year’s theme, This is Fostering, shining a spotlight on the real experiences of carers and the vital role they play.

Julie Davies, Swansea Council’s Head of Child and Family Services, said the council was proud of its foster carers and urged anyone thinking about fostering to get in touch. “There are many highs and there are lows to fostering and Foster Wales Swansea is absolutely committed to supporting our amazing foster carers on this journey,” she said.

Sarah’s message to anyone considering the role is simple. “You don’t have to have everything figured out — just being open to that first conversation is a great step,” she said.

The Foster Wales Swansea team will be at the following locations during Foster Care Fortnight: Morrisons Morfa on Tuesday 12 May, 9am–4pm; Little Man Coffee (SA1) on Wednesday 13 May, 10am–12.30pm; Singleton Hospital on Thursday 14 May, 11am–3pm; Tesco Fforestfach on Tuesday 19 May, 10am–3pm; and Y Storfa Library on Wednesday 20 May, 10am–1pm.

Anyone interested can also find out more at swansea.fosterwales.gov.wales.

SWANSEA: Cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies dies — tributes paid to ‘true Swansea legend’ after 43 years of service

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, one of the most prominent figures in Swansea public life, has died.

The Morriston councillor had served Swansea Council for 43 years and was cabinet member for investment, regeneration, tourism and events at the time of his death.

Cllr Rob Stewart announced the news on Friday morning, saying he had learned of it with huge sadness.

Mr Stewart described Francis-Davies — known affectionately as RFD — as “a true Swansea legend and an absolute force of nature who worked tirelessly for the people of Morriston and Swansea for 43 years.”

The council leader said his thoughts were with Francis-Davies’s family — named as Suzanne, Rebecca, Andrew and Rachel — at what he described as a deeply difficult time.

Mr Stewart credited Francis-Davies with helping oversee the building of the Swansea.com stadium and the National Waterfront Museum, saying he had delivered “such positive change” across his decades on the council.

He was also instrumental in bringing major events to the city, including Proms in the Park and the Wales Airshow, and was said to be a lifelong supporter of Swansea City AFC.

Francis-Davies was a proud advocate of the Swansea barrage and worked to ensure the continued development of the River Tawe corridor.

Mr Stewart said he was “an irreplaceable figure in the council” and that Swansea would not be the same without him.

Over four decades in the council chamber, Francis-Davies held a range of senior positions — including vice-chair of the housing committee, vice-chair of the finance committee, chair of the economic development committee and chair of the legal services committee.

Beyond his council work, he served as a past executive member of the Museums Association, chair of the Council of Museums in Wales, and board member of Les Rencontres — an organisation representing European cities of culture.

Morgans Hotel in Swansea was among the first organisations to pay tribute publicly, saying it was saddened to learn of his passing.

The hotel recalled that Francis-Davies had laid the foundation stone at the venue on 18 February 2002, and said it had always been grateful for his support over the years that followed.

Its flag was lowered to half-mast on Friday as a mark of respect, with the hotel describing him as a man who had done “so much for the city.”

Swansea City AFC also paid tribute, describing Francis-Davies as “a driving force in the plans for the ground coming to fruition.” The club said the thoughts of everyone at Swansea City were with his friends, family and colleagues at this very sad time.

Francis-Davies is survived by his wife Suzanne and their children Rebecca, Andrew and Rachel. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

SWANSEA: Plans to convert iconic Sandfields restaurant into 12-bedroom HMO complex submitted to council

Plans have been submitted to convert one of Sandfields’ best-known buildings – the late-Victorian Pantygwydr – into two Houses in Multiple Occupation totalling 12 bedrooms.

The pre-application planning notice has been lodged with Swansea Council, proposing the conversion of the historic corner property at the junction of Oxford Street and Richardson Street.

Under the proposals, the ground floor restaurant would become a 5-bedroom HMO, while the upper floors – currently used as four-bedroom owner’s accommodation – would be converted into a separate 7-bedroom HMO.

That would create 12 bedrooms in total across two HMOs at the building.

The building is currently home to the Pantygwydr restaurant, an independent French restaurant that has traded at the site since 2008 – nearly two decades.

It is currently still trading and taking bookings for 2026.

But the freehold of the property has now been listed for sale at £325,000 by Astleys Chartered Surveyors and is currently marked as Sold Subject to Contract.

The planning statement submitted to the council notes that the property has been marketed for several years without any demand for the existing restaurant use.

The Pantygwydr is a substantial late-Victorian building measuring 4,646 sq ft over three floors plus a basement.

Originally operated as the Pantygwydr Hotel, the building features classic Victorian architecture, strong corner frontage and period interior details including wood panelling and decorative cornices.

The basement is currently used as a beer cellar – a reminder of the building’s former life as a hotel and bar.

Under the proposals, no external alterations would be made to the property. A shared bike and refuse store would be created at ground floor level in the existing courtyard.

The application is significant in the context of HMO concentration in the Sandfields area – which has long been a focus of debate over the impact of high HMO numbers on community character and housing supply.

The site sits just outside Swansea Council’s HMO Management Area, where stricter rules apply. Outside that zone, planning policy permits HMO conversions provided they would not result in more than 10% of properties within a 50-metre radius being HMOs.

The applicant’s planning agents have calculated that there are currently three HMOs within 50 metres of the site, out of 59 properties in total. Approval of the application would create five HMOs in that radius – 8.47% of the local property stock, just below the 10% threshold.

The statement also argues that the property would generate significantly less parking demand as HMOs than as a restaurant – with the existing use estimated to require around 16 parking spaces, compared to seven for the proposed HMO use.

The application is currently at the pre-application stage, with reference number 2026/0329/PRE on the council’s planning portal. A formal planning application is yet to be submitted.

If submitted and approved, the conversion would mark the end of nearly 20 years of independent restaurant trade at the site – and the loss of one of Sandfields’ most distinctive hospitality venues.

The Pantygwydr restaurant remains open for bookings as planning discussions continue.

More from our property and rental coverage

‘No kids, no benefits’ rental bans become illegal next month – here’s what tenants and landlords need to know
The major change to Wales’ rental rules taking effect in June 2026.

Belvoir Swansea acquires The Greenrooms managed property portfolio
One of the city’s biggest recent rental sector deals – and what it tells us about the local market.

Swansea ranked one of the best UK cities to own a commercial property
Why investors are looking to Swansea – and what’s driving the interest in conversions.

Four local restaurants face closure as Whitbread axes up to 3,800 jobs across UK estate
The wider hospitality squeeze threatening high street venues across south-west Wales.

SWANSEA: Grade I listed Guildhall finally gets roof fix — after plastic sheeting and a bucket became a fixture in the foyer

Now Swansea Council has applied for listed building consent to fix the problem — replacing sections of the roof at the Guildhall with a new waterproof system designed to match work already completed on other parts of the building.

The Grade I listed Guildhall, built between 1930 and 1934 using Portland stone, has been plagued by water penetration despite its grand and sturdy appearance.

Leaks have been identified at multiple points across the building — including from a skylight above the law courts and from timber and metal frame windows in various locations.

The proposed works will see sections of roof above the law courts and the Brangwyn Hall replaced, along with new skylights and refurbished windows.

Some windows will be removed and taken away for specialist restoration off-site.

Re-pointing work is also planned as part of the application.

Discussions have already taken place with Welsh heritage body Cadw and the council’s own conservation officer ahead of the submission — reflecting the building’s protected status and the care required for any works on a Grade I listed structure.

A heritage impact assessment submitted alongside the application said the new roofing system would ensure the long-term water tightness of the building’s fabric.

The Guildhall was listed at Grade I in 1994 — the highest level of protection available in Wales, reserved for buildings of exceptional interest.

As well as housing council offices and law courts, it is home to the Brangwyn Hall — one of Wales’s finest art deco interiors, which hosts concerts, civic events and, most recently, Swansea Pride.

The hall is also a regular venue for election counts and declarations, including Friday’s Senedd results.

The building was extended twice after its original construction, with a central lawn built over during the later phases.

It has also been used as a film and television set on numerous occasions, with its distinctive clock tower and Portland stone facade lending itself to period productions.

The council said when the leaks were first reported last December that it was committed to rectifying the issue as quickly as possible.

The Guildhall and Brangwyn Hall

All our Guildhall coverage
Our full archive of stories about one of Swansea’s most iconic buildings.

All our Brangwyn Hall coverage
News, events and features from the magnificent art deco hall at the heart of Swansea’s civic life.

Swansea Pride returns on 16 May — with a Lady Gaga tribute headline act
The Guildhall and Brangwyn Hall host one of Swansea’s biggest free events this month.

SWANSEA: Council trials on-street electric vehicle charging to help drivers without driveways

Swansea residents who park on the street are taking part in a pioneering trial that allows them to charge their electric vehicles outside their own homes – without creating a hazard for pedestrians walking past.

Swansea Council has teamed up with electric vehicle charging company Kerbo Charge to test an innovative solution for the growing number of EV owners who don’t have off-street parking. Ten households across the city have been selected to take part – following an open invitation to residents to register their interest last year – and have already had charging equipment installed at their properties.

The system works by cutting a shallow channel into the footway outside a resident’s home. A charging cable can then be fed from the home charger through the channel and across the pavement to the vehicle parked at the roadside – without leaving a cable lying across the pavement that could trip passers-by.

Stuart Davies, Swansea Council’s Head of Transport and Highways, said the trial was a response to the rapid growth of electric and hybrid vehicles on Welsh roads. “With the popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles increasing year on year, we know that we need to look at innovative new ways to enable all electric car owners to easily charge their cars,” he said.

He acknowledged that while many Swansea residents with driveways can already charge at home, those without off-street parking have been left relying on public charging points. “Residents that do not have a driveway or off-street parking at their homes have to rely on public charging points,” he said.

The council has expanded its public charging network in recent years, adding fast-charging points at council-owned car parks and on-street locations across the city to complement the wider commercial EV charging network. But the Kerbo Charge trial aims to go further – giving residents without driveways the same convenience as those who can charge at home overnight.

Davies said the trial would allow the council to assess whether the system could be rolled out more widely. “This trial will give us the opportunity to work with residents and Kerbo Charge and test this method of on-street charging to see the potential benefits and see if it is something we can develop further in the future,” he said.

Kerbo Charge has developed the channel solution specifically to address one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption in urban areas – the lack of home charging for the significant proportion of households without off-street parking.

The trial is being funded by the Welsh Government with support from Transport for Wales, as part of Wales’s wider push to support the transition to electric vehicles.

Swansea is not the only Welsh council exploring new approaches to EV charging infrastructure, but the Kerbo Charge technology represents one of the more inventive solutions to the pavement cable problem that has long made kerbside charging difficult to implement safely.

Households across the city were invited to register their interest in the trial in advance, with ten selected to participate in the first phase.

The council said it would evaluate the results of the trial before deciding whether to expand the scheme. Anyone interested in taking part in future phases can register their interest with Swansea Council directly.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

On-street electric vehicle charging to be trialled in Swansea
Our previous coverage of the original announcement of this trial.

Two new super-fast EV charging hubs open near Swansea and the M4
The latest additions to the public EV charging network across the Swansea area.

Electric boost: EV chargepoints in Wales grow by 25.7% in a year
The rapid expansion of Wales’s public charging network.

EV repair postcode lottery leaves huge gaps across south west Wales
The challenges still facing EV drivers in rural and semi-rural areas.

Recharge with a view: Rhossili named one of the UK’s most Instagrammable EV charging points
A lighter side to the EV story – Gower’s charging point makes national headlines.

GOWERTON: Persimmon’s Fairwood Terrace plans dealt massive blow as Welsh Government orders full environmental assessment

Campaigners fighting Persimmon Homes’ proposed 216-home development at Fairwood Terrace in Gowerton have won a landmark ruling after a Welsh Government planning inspector ordered the scheme to undergo a full Environmental Impact Assessment – directly accepting their argument that the developer cannot treat each planning application in the area as if the others do not exist.

The ruling, issued by Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), reverses previous decisions on the Fairwood Terrace site and represents a significant setback for Persimmon Homes, which had been appealing Swansea Council‘s 2024 refusal of the scheme on traffic grounds. The inspector has ruled that the 216-home proposal cannot be looked at in isolation – it must be assessed alongside the wider strategic allocation, including a 460-home site and a 600-home scheme also promoted by Persimmon in the same corridor.

Save Gowerton from Gridlock, the community group led by Carl Jones which has fought the development for years, described the ruling as incredible news. The group said the inspector’s acceptance of what they call the “salami-slicing” argument – the practice of breaking a large strategic site into separate applications to avoid cumulative scrutiny – was a “massive victory.”

The ruling also found there was “insufficient certainty” that pollution and nutrient levels in the Burry Inlet could be mitigated, triggering what campaigners describe as the precautionary principle – meaning the law now demands the highest level of environmental scrutiny before any decision can be made.

Persimmon Homes now have 21 days to decide their next move. They can accept the ruling and commission the full Environmental Impact Assessment – a process expected to take between six and twelve months and involving expensive, large-scale environmental studies covering traffic, flood risk, pollution and ecological impact. Alternatively, if they refuse to provide the required report, the inspector can effectively dismiss the appeal entirely.

Save Gowerton from Gridlock say they have already contacted PEDW to ensure the group is formally consulted on the scoping of the new studies, giving them the opportunity to ensure that every traffic bottleneck and flood risk is included in the environmental workload.

The Fairwood Terrace site has been at the centre of one of Swansea’s most fiercely contested planning disputes. Plans were first drawn up in 2022, when Persimmon proposed around 230 homes on land between the River Llan and the railway line beside Gowerton station. The scheme also included a new station forecourt with a potential park-and-ride, a bus-only link eastward toward Waunarlwydd, upgraded traffic lights at Fairwood Terrace’s junction with Victoria Road, and a walking and cycling connection through to the neighbouring development site.

The proposal attracted nearly 900 objection letters and a 300-signature petition from residents who feared it would overwhelm already-congested junctions, increase flood risk and damage the character of the village. Swansea Council rejected the scheme on traffic grounds in 2024, despite planning officers advising that refusal would be difficult to defend at appeal. Persimmon subsequently appealed to the Welsh Government, and the case has been with PEDW ever since.

The Fairwood Terrace story so far

December 2022 – Persimmon first drew up plans for 230 homes at Fairwood Terrace, beside Gowerton station, as part of the Waunarlwydd North LDP allocation.

2024 – Swansea Council refused the application on traffic grounds despite officer support for approval, after nearly 900 objection letters and a 300-signature petition from local residents.

October 2025 – Persimmon unveiled a separate 600-home scheme south of the A484, directly opposite Bellway’s Parc Mawr development in Penllergaer, designed to link via an active travel route into Fairwood Terrace – raising fears of a continuous ribbon of housing along the entire A484 corridor.

April 2026 – Barratt and David Wilson Homes submitted a planning application for 430 homes on the Fforestfach/Waunarlwydd site – part of the same wider 716-home strategic allocation – further intensifying pressure on the corridor.

April 2026 – Welsh Government inspector rules the 216-home appeal must undergo a full Environmental Impact Assessment, accepting the “salami-slicing” argument. Persimmon now have 21 days to decide whether to commission the studies or walk away.

The backdrop to the dispute is a proposed continuous ribbon of housing stretching from Penllergaer through Gorseinon, Waunarlwydd and Gowerton along the A484. Persimmon’s separate 600-home scheme sits directly opposite Bellway’s Parc Mawr development in Penllergaer, designed to connect via an active travel route westward into Fairwood Terrace. Further along the same wider 716-home strategic allocation, Barratt and David Wilson Homes have now submitted a full planning application for 430 homes at Fforestfach.

If all the schemes along the corridor proceed, close to 3,000 new homes would be built in a continuous stretch – an amount campaigners say amounts to a new town stitched together along the A484. Today’s ruling that the Fairwood Terrace appeal must be assessed alongside those neighbouring sites is precisely the argument Save Gowerton from Gridlock has been making since the campaign began.

In February, Cllr Dai Jenkins told residents the fight was far from over as the appeal process stretched weeks beyond its original timetable. Jenkins had been pressing PEDW and Natural Resources Wales not to grant further extensions to Persimmon while the developer still owed information on nutrient neutrality and flood risk, and had called for a face-to-face hearing rather than a virtual process.

Today’s ruling vindicates that position. The inspector has accepted that the cumulative impact of the Fairwood Terrace scheme alongside the 460-home and 600-home sites must be formally assessed, and that the environmental uncertainty around the Burry Inlet is too significant to be set aside.

Carl Jones said the group had not yet won the war but had won a “massive battle.” He added that campaigners would continue to monitor the 21-day window closely and push for full consultation rights over whatever environmental studies Persimmon choose to commission, to ensure that every traffic pinchpoint, flood risk and pollution concern is properly included in the scope.

The decision is likely to be studied closely by communities facing similar large-scale planning applications across Swansea and the wider region, where cumulative development pressure along key arterial routes has been a recurring flashpoint.

More updates will follow as the 21-day deadline approaches.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Gowerton housing row: ‘We’re still fighting’ says councillor as Fairwood Terrace appeal enters decisive phase
Cllr Dai Jenkins’ February update as Persimmon faced pressure to provide nutrient neutrality and flood risk information.

Continuous ribbon of housing could stretch from Penllergaer to Gowerton as new 600-home scheme unveiled
How Persimmon’s linked schemes could create close to 3,000 homes along the A484 corridor.

Fforestfach: Planning application put in for major housing development
Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ 430-home application on the wider Waunarlwydd North strategic allocation.

Plans drawn up for 230-home development near Gowerton train station
Where it all started – Persimmon’s original 2022 proposals for the Fairwood Terrace site.

SWANSEA: 1930s Art Deco hotel wins approval to double its bedrooms and target 4-star rating — despite row over unauthorised excavation near historic Quaker burial ground

Plans to transform one of Swansea city centre’s most prominent historic hotels have been approved, with the Grand Hotel on Ivy Place set to more than double its bedrooms from 53 to 106 as part of a major expansion aimed at achieving a 4-star rating.

Swansea Council’s planning committee approved the scheme on Tuesday afternoon — but not without noting a significant controversy over excavation work carried out without planning permission at a site adjoining a historic Quaker burial ground.

The Grand Hotel, a four-storey Art Deco building constructed in the 1930s, sits directly opposite Swansea railway station and is described in planning documents as one of the first landmarks visible to visitors arriving in the city by train. The applicant is Mr Con Maloney.

Swansea Bay News first reported on the Grand Hotel plans last October, when an earlier version of the scheme received planning permission for 42 additional bedrooms. The applicant returned with an amended scheme adding a further floor — taking the additional rooms from 42 to 57 — after steel design costs came in significantly higher than originally budgeted.

The revised scheme, designed by Lawray Architects (application reference 2025/2514/FUL), will add rooms across six floors: 8 bedrooms on each of the first and second floors, 13 on each of the third, fourth and fifth floors, and two further rooms alongside a bar and lounge on the rooftop level. A new basement cellar, a gym for hotel guests, additional lifts and a reconfigured and enlarged ground-floor function room are also included.

However, the committee report noted that the applicant had already excavated a basement without planning permission, and without the archaeological watching brief required under conditions attached to the original consent. The hotel site adjoins the former Quaker Meeting House — built in 1807 — and its associated burial ground, and during excavation a human inhumation from the Quaker burial ground was discovered.

The council’s archaeological consultants Heneb (Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust) said it was “reasonable to conclude” that further archaeological deposits including human remains may have been damaged or destroyed during the unmonitored work. The committee report stated the failure to undertake proper archaeological mitigation “is regrettable and not condoned” and weighed against the application. However, the committee approved the scheme on the basis that the regeneration benefits for High Street outweighed the identified archaeological harm.

A new condition has been attached requiring a full written scheme of historic environment mitigation to be submitted before any further development takes place.

The historic 1930s Art Deco façade facing the railway station will be preserved and enhanced, with new upper floors set back behind the main building line. One of the most distinctive design features is a living green wall on the west elevation facing High Street — a modular vertical garden system that will support biodiversity, reduce noise pollution and improve air quality. Dark aluminium cladding originally proposed for the rooftop extension was changed to a lighter grey zinc cladding following visual testing.

The new upper floors use a mansard roof design, with dormer windows and Juliet balconies throughout the upper levels and large openings at roof level for city views from the bar and lounge. Bird boxes and bat boxes will be installed within a month of the development’s completion as part of the scheme’s ecological enhancement commitments.

All consultees — including Natural Resources Wales, Highways, Drainage and Welsh Water — raised no objection to the scheme. No objections were received from neighbouring properties during the pre-application consultation process.

The committee report describes the High Street area as being in “major need of regeneration” and notes the hotel expansion could act as a catalyst for wider investment. The scheme falls within a Strategic Development Area under Swansea’s Local Development Plan, which specifically identifies High Street as a priority area for regeneration linking the railway station to the retail centre.

Construction will be restricted to 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea’s Grand Hotel set for £3.5m transformation with rooftop bar and 55 new bedrooms
Our original report on the Grand Hotel transformation plans from October 2025.

Grand Hotel — all our coverage
Our full archive of reporting on the Grand Hotel development.

https://www.europesays.com/uk/907534/ The most sought after primary schools in Swansea revealed #Britain #Education #GreatBritain #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #UK #UnitedKingdom #Wales #WalesSchools

SWANSEA: Five jailed after street brawl saw family arm themselves with nail-studded plank in revenge attack

Swansea Crown Court heard that the background to the violence was a belief on the part of brothers Adam Miller and Kristian Thomas that Corey Jenkins was involved in drug dealing in the Ravenhill area of Swansea.

On 6 June, the pair acted on that belief by taking golf clubs to the Jenkins family home on Rhodfa’r Brain, where they smashed a number of downstairs windows before walking to the nearby home of a relative, David Dallimore.

In response, four members of the Jenkins family — Paul, Christopher, Corey and Lisa Jenkins — armed themselves with weapons and made their way to Mr Dallimore’s address, where the confrontation spilled into the street.

The disturbance was captured on CCTV and mobile phone footage. Corey Jenkins was seen wielding a plank of wood studded with nails and a metal pole, Paul Jenkins had a hammer, and Christopher and Lisa Jenkins were armed with sticks.

During the melee, Thomas struck neighbour Kirsty Choi on the head with a metal pole as she tried to help an injured member of the Jenkins family nearby.

Judge Catherine Richards said that while Miller and Thomas had sparked the incident by taking the law into their own hands and attacking the Jenkins home, the Jenkins family had then armed themselves and engaged in an act of “vigilantism” without regard for the impact on the wider community or the fear caused to fellow residents.

The judge’s remarks underlined the serious impact the disorder had on innocent people in the area. Residents who had no connection to either party were left to witness a large-scale armed confrontation on their street, with the judge making clear that the Jenkins family’s decision to arm themselves and pursue retribution had significantly aggravated the situation.

Paul Jenkins, 64, Christopher Paul Jenkins, 45, Corey Jenkins, 23, and Lisa Dawn Jenkins, 45, all of Rhodfa’r Brain, Ravenhill, had previously pleaded guilty to violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon. Paul and Christopher Jenkins have previous convictions; Corey and Lisa Jenkins had been of previously good character.

Kristian Dale Thomas, 39, of Tudno Place, Penlan, had pleaded guilty to criminal damage and was convicted at trial of the unlawful wounding of Miss Choi. He was described as having an extensive record including possession of offensive weapons, affray, inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and handling stolen goods.

Adam Miller, 34, also of Tudno Place, Penlan, had pleaded guilty to criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon. He too was described as having an extensive record including affray, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, arson and criminal damage. Both men were acquitted at trial of violent disorder in relation to the Rhodfa’r Brain incident. Mr Dallimore was also found not guilty.

With discounts for their guilty pleas, Paul Jenkins and Christopher Jenkins were both sentenced to 18 months in prison, and Corey Jenkins to 22 months. Lisa Jenkins received an 18-month sentence suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work and abide by a nightly curfew for two months.

Miller was sentenced to nine months in prison. Thomas, whose conviction at trial for the wounding of Miss Choi added significantly to his sentence, received 26 months in prison.

Those given immediate custodial sentences will serve 40% of their terms behind bars before being released on licence to complete the remainder in the community. The case was prosecuted following a police investigation into the disorder, which had been captured in detail on CCTV and mobile phone footage recovered from the scene.

KILVEY HILL: Police warn protesters action will follow as demonstration continues over Skyline development

South Wales Police has issued a public warning to protesters on Kilvey Hill that officers will take action against anyone breaking the law, as ongoing protest activity continues at the site of the controversial Skyline development in Swansea.

In a statement published on social media, the force said it was aware of protest activity taking place in the Kilvey Hill area in relation to development work at the site, and that while it supported the right to peaceful protest, that right came with legal limits.

“We support the right for people to make their voices heard through protest providing it is done lawfully,” the force said. “Decisions about how to police protests require consideration of complex and often competing rights and issues.”

The statement added that officers would act against those who broke the law, whether at the time of the offence or after the fact. “We will take action against anyone who breaks the law, whether this is at the time of the offence or retrospectively,” police said.

However, at least one resident, supportive of the protesters, has pushed back on any suggestion that protest activity is behind whatever prompted the police warning. Anita Aamp, who has commented publicly on the development online, said those who had opposed the scheme had always done so peacefully and within the law, and had maintained regular contact with local officers throughout. “I can pretty much assure you that whatever has happened on the hill has nothing to do with any protests,” she said, suggesting that with the Easter school holidays under way, police might want to “look further afield, as you normally would.”

The Skyline development — a multi-million pound leisure scheme backed by £4m in Welsh Government funding — has been one of the most contentious planning projects in Swansea in recent years. The project, which includes a cable car, luge runs and other visitor attractions, was approved by Swansea Council and is projected to bring significant economic benefits to the city, with reports suggesting it could generate substantial visitor numbers and support job creation in the area.

Supporters of the scheme point to the long-term regeneration potential of Kilvey Hill, arguing that the removal of diseased non-native trees is a necessary precursor to replanting with broadleaf native species, and that the development will transform a largely neglected hillside into a world-class tourism destination.

Opposition has come primarily from a vocal group of local residents living close to the hill, who have raised concerns about the impact on the area’s ecology and community character. Among the flashpoints was the fate of the Green Man of Kilvey — a wire and moss sculpture built by local man Pete Thomas in 1998 — which was left exposed in a cleared landscape after felling work began. Kilvey Woodland Volunteers described it as the “eviction” of a community icon that had stood for nearly 30 years. Skyline Swansea said the sculpture remained a priority and that they were committed to securing its future on the hill.

The controversy also took a political turn in February when Cllr Joe Hale posted a video announcing he was leaving Labour over the development. A statement from the office of council leader Rob Stewart subsequently confirmed that Cllr Hale had been suspended by the party six days before his video, following allegations of malicious communications and harassment that were also referred to South Wales Police. Cllr Hale denied being suspended, saying he had resigned over Skyline.

Both Swansea Council and Skyline Swansea have been actively countering what they describe as misinformation circulating online. The council confirmed that all tree felling had been carried out with planning consent granted in July 2025, and that Natural Resources Wales was consulted throughout the planning process. Developers have also said that ecology concerns raised by campaigners have been addressed.

South Wales Police said it remained open to dialogue with advocacy groups and that its approach would reflect “the values of fairness, equality, and justice.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Kilvey’s Green Man stands alone as Skyline work transforms the face of the hill
The beloved community sculpture was left exposed in a barren clearing as tree harvesting operations began on the hill.

Councillor suspended by Labour Party over harassment allegations before announcing Skyline resignation
A Swansea councillor was suspended days before his video announcement that he was leaving Labour over the Skyline project.

Councillor denies being suspended by Labour — says he quit over Skyline
Cllr Joe Hale hit back at the council’s account, insisting he had resigned from the party over the development.

Council approves plan for Skyline development
Swansea Council gave the green light to the controversial multi-million pound leisure scheme on Kilvey Hill.

Campaigners’ Kilvey Hill ecology concerns addressed, say Skyline developers
Developers sought to reassure opponents that environmental issues raised about the hill had been taken on board.

TOWNHILL: Social housing developer plans 27 affordable homes on derelict nursery site

A derelict plot in Townhill — one of Wales’s oldest council-built communities — could be about to get a new lease of life, with plans lodged for 27 affordable apartments on land that has sat empty since the demolition of a nursery school more than a decade ago.

The proposal, submitted by Swansea planning agents Asbri Planning, would see the former Bryn Nursery School site at the junction of Townhill Road and Tower Gardens transformed into a 100% affordable housing development — every home ring-fenced for people who cannot afford to buy or rent on the open market.

Behind the scheme is Castell Group, a Swansea Vale-based developer that specialises in affordable and social housing across south Wales, working with registered social landlords including Caredig and Hafod.

The site has a long and frustrated planning history. Bryn Nursery School closed in 2005 and was demolished around 2011, leaving a vacant brownfield plot on one of Townhill’s main roads. Earlier proposals for a 58-bed care home were approved but never built. In 2021, budget supermarket chain Heron Foods — owned by B&M — twice applied to build a small express-format store on the site, only for both applications to be refused by Swansea Council on retail and highway grounds. The land has remained empty ever since.

The development would sit in a neighbourhood with a particular place in Welsh housing history. Townhill — built on the hillside above the city from the 1920s onwards — was one of the first purpose-built council communities in Wales, planned to provide decent homes for Swansea’s working-class population at a time when much of the city’s housing was overcrowded and inadequate. A century on, the demand for affordable homes here hasn’t gone away.

The proposed development would comprise 17 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom apartments across several two and three storey brick-built blocks with pitched roofs, in keeping with the surrounding streets. The site — currently overgrown scrubland that has regenerated since the old nursery came down — is just 150 metres from Townhill’s local centre, within walking distance of shops, a pharmacy, a library and a primary school, and close to bus services into Swansea city centre and Morriston Hospital.

The scheme has already been through informal discussions with Swansea Council, which confirmed that the principle of residential development here was acceptable. The original proposal was for 33 units, but this was reduced to 27 following council feedback about the site’s proximity to Tower Court — a supported independent living scheme for older residents next door. A flat roof design was also rejected by planners who noted that the surrounding area is entirely pitched-roof in character.

The plans include 22 parking spaces, secure cycle storage, extensive landscaping and tree planting, sustainable urban drainage, solar panels and electric vehicle charging points.

The public consultation runs until 24 April 2026.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Plans submitted for new Townhill budget supermarket
Heron Foods submitted plans for an express-format B&M store on the former Bryn Nursery School site in 2021 — both applications were refused.

More Townhill news from Swansea Bay News
The latest news and features from the Townhill area.

FERRY FARCE? Doubts grow over Swansea crossing as ‘fairy story’ jibe lands

The proposed Bristol Channel crossing – linking Swansea with south-west England – has been talked up as a game-changer for travel and jobs.

But cracks are starting to show.

At a tense council meeting this week, opposition councillor Stuart Rice questioned whether the scheme was realistic at all, asking leader Rob Stewart if it was “more of a fairy story than a ferry story”.

The comments come just days after a new report suggested the idea had a “compelling” economic case and overwhelming public backing, with strong support recorded for a Swansea-based service.

The proposal centres on a high-speed, low-emission ferry capable of carrying hundreds of passengers and vehicles across the Bristol Channel – with backers claiming it could slash journey times and ease pressure on major roads.

But despite the optimism, key details remain missing.

No ports have been confirmed.

No vessel has been designed.

And no firm agreements are in place with partners across the water.

Even Swansea Council has admitted in responses seen by reporters that no formal discussions have taken place with councils in Devon or Somerset in recent years.

That raises serious questions about how close – or how far – the plan really is.

Cllr Stewart defended the project, insisting it was worth exploring.

“I don’t think there is anything really to knock on this one,” he said, arguing journey times could be cut dramatically and that Swansea’s appeal would draw visitors.

He also stressed the ferry would not just be about passengers – but freight too, boosting its viability.

But others are not convinced.

Liberal Democrat group leader Chris Holley backed the idea in principle but warned there were practical issues – including whether vessels could even dock close to the city centre.

He pointed to past problems with ferry schemes, including vessels being unable to pass through Swansea’s lock gates.

Meanwhile, concerns have also been raised that passengers could simply drive straight out of the city via the M4 – limiting the economic boost locally.

Adding to the uncertainty, the report behind the plans admits major hurdles remain.

These include dealing with the Bristol Channel’s extreme tidal range, designing specialist vessels, and building the necessary port infrastructure.

And in a new twist, Burry Port has quietly emerged as a potential landing site – despite there being no detail yet on how a ferry could operate from a harbour known for having one of the highest tidal ranges in the world.

Now, Carmarthenshire Council has confirmed it has not been involved in any talks.

Director Ainsley Williams said: “There have been no discussions on specific proposals relating directly to Carmarthenshire at this time.

“We remain open to further discussions should any formal proposals come forward.”

That lack of engagement will raise eyebrows given the scale of what’s being suggested.

Elsewhere, questions remain about where the ferry would land in England, with Ilfracombe already ruled out and larger ports like Bideford mentioned as alternatives.

For now, the ferry remains firmly in the “idea” stage.

And while supporters point to potential benefits like cutting congestion on the M4 and M5 and boosting tourism, critics say the fundamentals are still missing.

For people across Swansea Bay, it leaves a simple question.

Is this the start of a bold new transport link – or just another grand plan that never leaves the drawing board?

What do you think – ferry future or fairy tale?

SWANSEA: Ospreys lifeline as council seals historic St Helen’s deal

Swansea Council has struck a landmark deal with the Ospreys in a move being hailed as a potential lifeline for professional rugby in west Wales.

The agreement will see millions invested into the historic St Helen’s ground, transforming it into a dual-use home for both elite rugby and community sport.

Council leaders say the plan could reshape the future of the game in Swansea — at a time when fears over the Ospreys’ survival have dominated headlines.

The partnership, approved by the council’s Cabinet, is being described as the first of its kind in the UK, bringing a local authority and a professional team together in a joint long-term investment.

Under the proposals, the council will fund improvements aimed at community use, including a new pitch and upgraded floodlights.

Meanwhile, the Ospreys will invest in facilities designed to attract crowds back to the sport, including a new stand, fan zone and broadcast infrastructure.

It follows months of uncertainty over the future of the region, with the Ospreys at the centre of a bitter national row over plans to cut a Welsh team — a crisis we’ve been tracking closely in our ongoing coverage of the WRU civil war.

At the height of the turmoil, Swansea Council launched legal action and even sought to block controversial plans that could have seen the Ospreys effectively wiped out, as reported when the authority went to the High Court in a dramatic bid to stop the deal.

Now, council leader Rob Stewart says this new agreement is about securing the region’s future — and restoring confidence in the game.

He said: “Welsh rugby cannot afford to lose the Ospreys. That’s why we have stepped up and secured this agreement.”

He added: “This is a blueprint for how rugby can thrive in our region and across Wales.”

Cllr Stewart also stressed the wider benefits for the city, saying the Ospreys are “a massive part of our culture” and bring millions into the local economy every year.

He said: “By investing in St Helen’s, we’re creating a fantastic facility for the community — opening the doors to schools, local clubs and young players taking their first steps in the game.”

The deal will also see Welsh rugby legend Alun Wyn Jones take on a key role in overseeing the new model, joining a Swansea Rugby Community Board.

Cllr Stewart said his involvement would be vital, adding: “Having such a rugby icon involved will be invaluable in ensuring we get the right pathway for our children.”

A state-of-the-art 4G pitch is set to be installed at St Helen’s, allowing the Ospreys to play matches there as early as next season.

But the venue won’t just be for elite sport — schools, local clubs and community groups will have regular access throughout the week.

Cllr Stewart said: “Working in partnership, we will deliver a community programme that inspires young people and creates a clear pathway from school and local club rugby through to the Ospreys.”

Council bosses say the aim is to reconnect the professional and grassroots game, boosting participation among young people while improving health and wellbeing across the area.

The Ospreys are also expected to expand their community programme significantly, with more school sessions, coaching opportunities and open training events.

For Swansea fans, the move signals a dramatic shift after months of crisis, protests and political pressure over the future of the region.

The hope now is that St Helen’s can become a symbol of renewal — not just for the Ospreys, but for rugby across Swansea Bay.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

St Helen’s stadium revival plan unveiled as Swansea Council moves ahead amid Ospreys uncertainty
Earlier plans revealed the scale of ambition for redeveloping the historic ground.

Council goes to High Court as Swansea seeks urgent injunction to stop WRU deal
Legal action showed how far the council was willing to go to protect the Ospreys.

Seismic showdown: WRU confirms date for fight for survival EGM
The wider Welsh rugby crisis that put the future of the Ospreys in doubt.

SWANSEA: New big-top amphitheatre ready for summer shows

The outdoor venue opposite LC Swansea has been transformed with a striking big-top style canopy, new flooring and upgraded seating.

The overhaul is designed to breathe new life into one of Swansea’s best-known public spaces.

And it could mean far more live music, community events and performances returning to the city centre in the months ahead.

The sail-shaped canopy, created by Gower Sail Shades, is the centrepiece of the revamp.

It will provide shelter for performers, audiences and technical equipment — making the venue far more reliable in unpredictable weather.

That means events can go ahead even when conditions aren’t perfect, opening the door to a busier programme throughout the year.

Council bosses say the changes are already attracting attention from visitors heading to nearby attractions, bars and restaurants.

They hope the improved amphitheatre will become a key destination for both locals and tourists.

Councillor Elliott King said:

“This addition will significantly extend the venue’s versatility and usability throughout the year, supporting a wider range of cultural and community events.”

He added that it will help create a “unique outdoor venue in Swansea” capable of drawing in new audiences.

The upgrade also builds on the success of last summer’s Amplitude music event, which brought crowds into the area for a free weekend of live entertainment.

Performers who took part in that event are already said to be keen to return — this time with the added benefit of cover.

As well as the canopy, a series of practical improvements have been made across the site.

These include upgraded seating areas, improved steps and brand new handrails to make the venue safer and more accessible.

A mains power supply has also been installed, making it easier to stage professional performances without the need for temporary setups.

Together, the upgrades are expected to make the amphitheatre far more attractive to event organisers.

Community groups, local performers and touring acts are all expected to benefit.

The council is now encouraging interested groups to come forward and make use of the space.

Officials say it will host a mix of council-run events alongside bookings from external organisers.

The project forms part of wider efforts to strengthen Swansea’s cultural offer and support its creative industries.

It is also aimed at boosting footfall in the city centre and supporting surrounding businesses.

Funding for the upgrade has come from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme and the Business Wales Brilliant Basics initiative.

Contractors Andrew Scott Ltd worked alongside Gower Sail Shades to deliver the project.

With the work now complete, attention is turning to the summer — and the return of live entertainment.

And with its new look firmly in place, the amphitheatre could soon be back at the heart of Swansea’s events scene.

Amphitheatre revamp: more from Swansea Bay News

Amphitheatre set for dramatic makeover
Plans revealed for a striking new canopy in the city centre.

Work begins on new canopy
Construction gets underway on the major upgrade.

New music festival announced
Revamped venue to host fresh live events.

Who’s Molly to headline Amplitude
Band set to top the bill at free summer festival.

“Forgotten” amphitheatre to be revived
Earlier plans aimed to bring the space back to life.

£14bn metro dream for Swansea – but will West Wales finally get its share?

The ambitious vision from Transport for Wales forms part of a £14bn programme backed by the UK and Welsh governments, with leaders claiming it could transform travel, boost business and create thousands of jobs across South West Wales.

Electrification, new stations and metro links

At the heart of the plans is long-awaited electrification of the main line between Cardiff and Swansea — a move expected to cut journey times and increase capacity.

New stations at Landore and Winch Wen are also proposed, alongside a string of potential metro hubs across the city including Pontlliw, Felindre, Morriston, Llandarcy and Cockett.

There are also plans to improve rail links westwards to communities including Ammanford, Pembrey, St Clears, Milford Haven and Pembroke Dock — areas long calling for better connections.

Further down the line, a £1bn light rail expansion could link Swansea to Neath and Tonna, running through the city centre and waterfront in a move designed to bring trams back to the region.

“Generational change” promised

Rob Stewart said the plans could be a turning point for the regional economy.

“We all want to see better rail links into Swansea and across South West Wales,” he said.

“Transport links from London and the rest of UK to our part of Wales are critical to help deliver a strong local economy.”

He added that electrification and wider investment would “create thousands of jobs in construction and secure thousands more in the long term”.

The council is also banking on sweeping bus reforms to tie the network together, with a new franchising model aimed at delivering “one timetable and one ticket” across rail and bus services.

Linking jobs, hospitals and major attractions

Stewart said new stations would play a key role in connecting people to jobs and services.

“Having a network of new stations across Swansea will be critical in terms of providing direct public transport links to hospitals, major employers including the DVLA and the Enterprise Zone in Llansamlet,” he said.

“They will also serve major attractions including the new Skyline development, Penderyn Distillery and the Swansea.com Stadium.”

Political backing – but pressure remains

Ken Skates said the plans marked “exciting times ahead” for transport in the region, while Swansea West MP Torsten Bell said the project could help reverse years of underinvestment.

“Swansea has been let down by years of underinvestment in our rail system,” he said.

“This consultation is an important opportunity to feed into the development of this vital new infrastructure.”

But will it actually happen?

Despite the bold vision, the announcement comes against a backdrop of frustration in South West Wales — with previous promises failing to materialise.

Swansea Bay News has previously reported anger over the lack of progress on schemes like the long-delayed St Clears station, as well as criticism that the region has been “forgotten” in wider UK rail investment.

There have also been renewed calls for major projects like a multi-million pound rail link to Aberystwyth, while passengers continue to demand better reliability despite recent improvements in punctuality.

Campaigners will also be disappointed that there is no mention of a tram route extending towards Swansea University and Mumbles.

The £14bn plan has been hailed as “generational” — but for many across Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire, the real test will be whether it finally delivers on promises that have been years in the making.

Transport and rail: more from Swansea Bay News

St Clears station delay sparks anger
Calls grow for action after years of promises with no construction.

£775m rail link calls return
Fresh push for a Carmarthen to Aberystwyth line in major report.

£14bn rail row erupts
Politicians clash over whether Swansea is getting its fair share.

‘Forgotten again’ fury over rail snub
Anger as new stations announced elsewhere — but not in West Wales.

Rail punctuality improves — but concerns remain
Performance rises, but passengers say more must be done.

St Helen’s stadium revival plan unveiled as Swansea Council moves ahead amid Ospreys uncertainty

Council leader Rob Stewart said the future of the ground had been held back by unresolved questions around Welsh rugby.

“The future of St Helen’s has been on hold due to ongoing discussions about regional rugby in Wales which are unlikely to end anytime soon,” he said.

“The WRU is not giving us the answers we need to move forward despite our requests, such as how Y11 can own two teams for a long period of time. In light of the impending EGM, I doubt the WRU knows where it is going.”

Moving ahead despite uncertainty

Stewart said Swansea must now act rather than wait for clarity from the Welsh Rugby Union.

“We must break that deadlock in the meantime and find how we can move forward as a city despite the WRU’s lack of answers,” he said.

“We propose to create a new model that strengthens both professional and grassroots rugby across Swansea and the Ospreys region.”

New vision for St Helen’s

The plans would see St Helen’s redeveloped into a modern rugby venue centred on a new all-weather 4G pitch. The surface would be used by the Ospreys for matchdays and weekly team run-outs, while also being opened up to Swansea RFC, schools, clubs and community groups for the rest of the week.

Stewart said the aim is to create a facility that serves both elite sport and the wider community.

“Our joint investment would give the Ospreys a home worthy of professional rugby while opening up this iconic ground to the community like never before.”

Under the proposed model, the council would fund key community-focused upgrades including the pitch and floodlights, while the Ospreys would deliver professional-level improvements such as a new stand, fan zone and broadcast facilities.

Focus on grassroots rugby

The proposals also include a significant expansion of community rugby activity, with the Ospreys expected to deliver club nights, school sessions, open training events and coaching development opportunities.

“For the first time in many years, children and young people will have access to a safe, modern, central facility — whatever the weather,” Stewart said.

“This model strengthens the player pathway by linking clubs, schools, colleges and the Ospreys Academy.”

A new Swansea Rugby Community Board is also proposed to help ensure the redevelopment delivers long-term benefits for local people, while former Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones has agreed to work with the council on the project.

Ospreys return in sight

The Ospreys say they have been working with the council for months on the proposals and believe the plan could allow them to return to Swansea as early as next season while expanding their community work.

Stewart added: “This continues our support for the Ospreys remaining as a professional rugby region based in Swansea.”

Decision within days

The proposals are due to be considered by the council’s cabinet this week, with work potentially starting in April if approved.

The council has also confirmed its legal action over the WRU’s proposed Y11 deal is continuing — underlining the wider uncertainty surrounding the future of Welsh rugby.

Ospreys crisis: key stories

Swansea unites as Ospreys crisis deepens
Councillors back the region amid growing fears over its future.

Council takes legal action over WRU deal
High Court move aims to block a plan that could end the Ospreys.

‘Smoking gun’ minutes revealed
Documents fuel claims the region’s future was already decided.

WRU sets date for crunch showdown
Emergency meeting could shape the future of Welsh rugby.

Alun Wyn Jones warns of ‘rugby black hole’
Legend speaks out over fears for the region’s future.

WRU boss quits before key vote
Leadership turmoil adds to growing pressure on the union.

DYFATTY CRIME CRACKDOWN: Major police operation targets Swansea hotspot

The Dyfatty Clear Hold Build project is now underway, targeting long-standing issues linked to serious organised crime, anti-social behaviour and community safety concerns in the area around High Street North and nearby tower blocks.

Led by South Wales Police alongside the city council and other agencies, the operation is being described as a “long overdue” intervention for residents.

‘Long overdue’ action

Chief Superintendent Stephen Jones said the first phase will focus on removing criminal influence and protecting vulnerable people.

He said many residents have been forced to live with the impact of organised crime for years — despite having no connection to it themselves.

“This work is long overdue for the people who live in Dyfatty,” he said.

Three-phase plan to transform the area

The scheme follows the national Clear Hold Build model — a strategy backed by the Home Office.

• Clear phase: A year-long police-led crackdown targeting offenders and disrupting criminal networks
• Hold phase: Stabilising the area and preventing gangs from returning
• Build phase: Long-term investment to tackle the root causes of crime

Officials say the aim is not just arrests — but lasting change.

Millions pledged to ‘transform’ Dyfatty

Council leader Rob Stewart said the project will work alongside a separate regeneration programme expected to bring up to £20 million into the area over the next decade.

He said the combined efforts would help “clean up and stabilise” Dyfatty while supporting long-term improvements.

The initiative is being coordinated through the Swansea Public Services Board, which includes partners such as Swansea Bay University Health Board and Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

Community at the heart of the plan

Chair of the board, Andrea Harrington, said the project would focus on listening to residents and working with local communities to deliver change.

She described Dyfatty as a diverse area facing a range of challenges — but said partners were committed to creating a safer, stronger neighbourhood.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Dyfatty set for £20m investment boost
Plans aim to transform the area over the next decade with major regeneration funding.

Police crackdown on Dyfatty anti-social behaviour
Dispersal powers introduced after rising incidents in the area.

Three arrested after armed police incident
Officers responded to a disturbance at flats, with arrests made following an investigation.

Dyfatty flats set for major upgrade
Multi-million pound plans to improve ageing council tower blocks.

Major makeover for Croft Street flats
More than 100 homes to benefit from upgrades including new kitchens and security.

CCTV upgrade at problem tower blocks
New security measures installed to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

New anti-social behaviour powers proposed
Council seeks views on tougher measures to deal with persistent issues.

High-rise flats evacuated after major damage
Residents forced out following a serious incident in a Swansea tower block.

High Street revival plans gather pace
Community-led projects aim to bring new life to Swansea city centre.

Free bus rides return for Easter as Swansea families urged to “leave the car at home”

Council leader Rob Stewart confirmed the scheme will run across eight days during the school holidays, starting from March 28.

The move follows previous schemes that have already seen more than one million free journeys taken in Swansea.

£450,000 set aside

The council has earmarked £450,000 from this year’s budget to fund not just the Easter offer – but free buses again in the summer and Christmas holidays too.

That means families could continue to benefit from the scheme throughout the year.

Save up to £20 a trip

Rob Stewart said the initiative is designed to ease the pressure on household budgets during what can be an expensive time.

He said families could save up to £20 per trip, encouraging people to ditch the car and spend that money elsewhere instead.

Cllr Stewart said: “Since we launched the offer people have enjoyed more than 1m free bus rides.

“Easter can be an expensive time for everyone but we’re committed to ensuring families in Swansea can save a bit of money on travel costs, leave the car at home and save their petrol money to spend on other things, saving up to £20 a time for family of four.

“The city centre is a great shopping destination in itself for people wanting to take a free trip. But it is also about giving the public the chance to travel all across Swansea, whether it’s to visit family members or just enjoy to what Swansea has to offer.”

Cutting traffic and boosting buses

Cabinet member Andrew Stevens said the scheme also aims to get more people onto public transport.

He added that many residents still rely on cars – and the free travel offer is a chance to get them trying buses for the first time, while also helping reduce congestion on local roads.

“It’s important we support public transport operators in Swansea and do what we can to increase passenger numbers.” Cllr Stevens said.

When are buses free?

Free travel will be available on:

• Saturday 28 March
• Sunday 29 March
• Friday 3 April (Good Friday)
• Saturday 4 April
• Sunday 5 April (Easter Sunday)
• Monday 6 April (Easter Monday)
• Saturday 11 April
• Sunday 12 April 

Back again after popular demand

The Easter scheme builds on previous free bus initiatives covered by Swansea Bay News, which proved hugely popular with residents looking to cut costs and explore the city without worrying about fares.

With another school holiday around the corner, council bosses are now hoping even more people will jump on board.

More transport stories from Swansea Bay News

“Five years of promises” – calls to restart St Clears station project
Pressure mounts for action on a long-delayed rail link in Carmarthenshire.

Fuel fears grow as rationing plans emerge
Concerns over supply and rising costs raise questions for drivers and businesses.

Swansea motor giant hits 100
From a single garage to a UK powerhouse – the story behind a major local success.

NCP enters administration putting Swansea car parks at risk
Uncertainty grows over the future of key parking sites across the city.

MORRISTON: Work begins to save crumbling historic house

Work is finally moving forward to protect one of Morriston’s most recognisable – and long-neglected – buildings.

The Grade II-listed Danbert House, a striking Victorian townhouse on Morfydd Street, has stood empty for decades – but now fresh efforts are underway to safeguard what remains.

Backed by funding from Swansea Council and the Welsh Government, the next phase of work is focusing on understanding the building’s true condition.

Scaffolding has now been installed both inside and out, allowing specialists safe access to carry out a detailed historic survey of the structure.

Despite its deteriorated state, Danbert House remains a well-known local landmark, originally built in the 1880s for tinplate manufacturer Daniel Edwards and named after his ‘Danbert’ brand.

The building is privately owned, and the current owner is working to create a full and accurate record of its condition. This will be submitted to the Royal Commission to guide any future restoration in line with official heritage requirements.

Councillor David Hopkins said the progress marks an important step forward.

He said: “Danbert House is a well-known Morriston landmark and an important part of the area’s heritage.

“While it has sadly been in a derelict state for many years, it’s encouraging to see positive progress being made.

“These grants will help enable the specialist access and surveys needed to fully understand the building’s condition and plan the next stages of safeguarding and restoration.”

Funding for the work has come through the council’s Economic Stimulus Fund alongside the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.

While there’s still a long road ahead, the latest developments raise fresh hopes that the historic building could one day be brought back into use.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Future of iconic Swiss Cottage in doubt again
Concerns grow over the long-term future of the historic Singleton Park landmark.

£803k boost for Port Talbot bridge plans
Funding secured to explore the future of a key Grade II-listed structure.

Former rugby star takes on iconic city building
High-profile figure steps in to help restore a well-known Swansea site.

Work progresses on historic copperworks site
Plans move forward to transform a heritage building into a new restaurant destination.

£134k grant boosts chapel restoration
Funding helps preserve a significant historic building in Llanelli.

Swansea lagoon dream back on track as major energy deal signed

A landmark agreement between Swansea Council and energy firm Batri Ltd will see the former Tir John landfill site turned into a new solar farm — a crucial first building block in a much bigger, multi-billion-pound vision.

And at the heart of it all? The long-discussed Swansea Bay tidal lagoon.

From landfill to power station

The deal will transform the Tir John site into a solar energy hub capable of generating around 3 megawatts of electricity — enough to power hundreds of homes.

But this is about far more than solar panels.

The site is set to form the foundation for a sweeping renewable energy programme across Swansea — including a tidal lagoon, floating solar installations, a high-tech battery plant, a data centre and a transport hub powered by clean energy.

Crucially, the solar farm will be privately funded — meaning no direct cost to taxpayers.

A project years in the making

This ambitious scheme has been talked about for well over a decade — and has gone through several transformations along the way.

What began life as the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon captured national attention as a pioneering renewable energy project. But after setbacks and funding challenges, the vision evolved.

At one stage, plans were reimagined as the dramatic “Dragon Energy Island” concept — complete with Dubai-style manmade islands shaped like a dragon stretching out into the bay.

More recently, the wider scheme has been known as “Blue Eden”, bringing together a mix of renewable energy, industry and innovation.

Now, even that branding appears to be quietly fading — as focus shifts firmly onto delivery rather than design names and grand concepts.

Despite the changing labels, one thing has stayed the same: the ambition to harness the power of the tides and transform Swansea’s economic future.

‘Once-in-a-generation’ opportunity

Council leader Rob Stewart says the latest deal could mark the moment the project finally becomes real.

“Our ambition is to become one of the leading renewable energy regions in Europe by creating a once-in-a-generation tidal lagoon in Swansea Bay,” he said.

“The plan for Tir John is a strategic first step to create part of the energy infrastructure that’s needed to allow the lagoon project’s tidal and land elements to proceed.

“A range of other renewable energy technologies will also be included in the overall project, helping create thousands of high-quality jobs while laying the foundations for long-term investment and sustainable growth.

“A tidal lagoon here would put the city on the world map for renewable energy and deliver clean power for decades. The momentum is building, and the vision is very much alive.”

Thousands of jobs and billions in investment

If delivered in full, the wider scheme could create thousands of skilled jobs and pump billions into the regional economy.

Alongside the lagoon itself, plans include:

• A major battery manufacturing plant
• A new data centre
• Floating solar developments
• A renewable-powered transport hub

The project is centred around Swansea Port and Fabian Way — with the Tir John solar site acting as a key early phase to unlock further development.

Stephen Hughes, chief technology officer at Batri, said the agreement signals the moment the project moves from concept to reality.

“This is an important moment because it is where the overall Swansea project starts to become real on the ground,” he said.

“Tir John will generate renewable energy from its new solar farm, but its role is bigger than that. It begins to create the energy base for the wider project — one that can support future industrial development in Swansea, including a battery facility that will create significant skilled jobs as later phases come forward.”

A vision that refuses to fade

Swansea Bay News has charted the twists and turns of the lagoon story over recent years — from renewed political backing and funding for research, to fresh designs and international investment interest.

There have been moments when the project appeared to stall.

Questions have been raised about funding, feasibility and whether tidal lagoon technology could compete with other forms of renewable energy.

But supporters have consistently argued the lagoon would be a game-changer — providing predictable, renewable electricity while creating a striking new landmark for the region.

More than just energy

If it goes ahead, the lagoon won’t just be an infrastructure project.

Plans suggest it could become a major visitor attraction — with public spaces, leisure opportunities and a focus on marine ecology and climate innovation.

In short, it’s being pitched not just as a power station, but as a destination.

What happens next?

With planning already in place for the first phase of the solar farm, work could now begin to gather pace.

Further announcements are expected as additional parts of the project move forward — with momentum once again building behind one of Wales’ most ambitious renewable energy proposals.

After years of false starts, rebrands and big promises, Swansea’s tidal lagoon dream may finally be edging closer to reality.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

£1.7bn ‘Blue Eden’ tidal lagoon plan unveiled for Swansea
Earlier plans set out the scale of ambition behind the lagoon project and wider renewable energy vision.

Battery factory plans to power Swansea’s green energy future
Proposals for a major battery plant form a key part of the wider scheme now moving forward.

Land deal boosts renewable energy plans at Swansea Port
Previous agreement seen as a crucial step in unlocking development around the port and Fabian Way.

New images reveal £6.5bn Swansea Port transformation
Visuals showed how the lagoon and wider developments could reshape Swansea Bay.

£750,000 boost for tidal lagoon research
Welsh Government backing highlighted ongoing support for tidal energy in Swansea.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE: £4.9m school boost gets underway in Townhill

A brand-new dining hall and all-weather sports pitch are being built at Townhill Community Primary School, with leaders hailing the project as a “game-changer” for pupils and families.

The investment — backed largely by the Welsh Government — aims to make sure every child can benefit from free school meals without squeezing into cramped facilities.

Right now, all pupils are entitled to a free lunch — but the school’s current kitchen and canteen simply can’t keep up.

Council leader Rob Stewart said:

“This is making a real and important difference to families throughout Swansea.”

And it’s not just about food.

The new hall will double up as a performance and community space — giving parents more room to watch school concerts and opening the doors for wider local use.

Meanwhile, a brand-new multi-use games area will give pupils — and the wider community — a place to stay active all year round.

Education boss Robert Smith said:

“This will be an exciting addition… boosting health and wellbeing during the day and beyond.”

Contractors Andrew Scott Ltd are leading the build, which is expected to take around a year.

School leaders say the investment is about more than bricks and mortar.

Headteacher Peter Owen said:

“We are delighted the school and community are going to have such a superb resource.”

And governors say it marks a step towards becoming a true “community school” — with facilities used long after the final bell rings.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Clarkson blasts “mad” school dinners
TV host hits out as imported chicken lands on Welsh pupils’ plates.

Imported chicken in school dinners sparks anger
Welsh farmers say they’re being cut out of the system.

Council to trial seasonal school dinner menu
Veg grown on the authority’s own farm set to hit the plates.

School celebrates dinner supervisor’s 40 years
A milestone moment for a much‑loved member of staff.

£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.

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.

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.

WRU HITS BACK: Rugby chiefs say Swansea Council notes ‘not accurate’ after Ospreys meeting row explodes

The Welsh Rugby Union has hit back at Swansea Council after the authority published controversial notes from a private meeting about the future of the Ospreys.

The row erupted after the council released its account of a January meeting between council leaders, WRU chief executive Abi Tierney, and Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley.

According to the council’s notes, Bradley suggested there would be no professional Ospreys team playing at St Helen’s Rugby and Cricket Ground if a proposed takeover deal involving Cardiff Rugby went ahead.

But the WRU has now challenged the accuracy of the document, saying the meeting had been confidential and was never formally minuted.

In a statement issued on Friday, the governing body said:

“The WRU notes that Swansea Council has chosen to publish its purported minutes of a meeting with Abi Tierney and Lance Bradley on 21 January 2026. Our position has been clear and consistent throughout. This was a confidential meeting.”

The WRU added that the notes released by the council were “not an accurate reflection of what was said” and insisted Tierney had made that clear previously.

“It was not formally minuted – as Swansea Council themselves acknowledge. The notes are not an accurate reflection of what was said, and Abi Tierney has stated this throughout,” the statement continued.

“Indeed, her own comments on the notes – now published without her consent – make clear that she did not say what is purported. The WRU has behaved professionally and courteously throughout and has nothing further to add.”

The dispute comes amid a growing political storm over plans involving Cardiff Rugby, after proposals emerged that could see the club purchased by the Ospreys’ ownership group Y11 Sports & Media.

Swansea Council insists it had no alternative but to release its account of the meeting after Tierney said earlier this week that no decision had been taken about the future of the Ospreys.

Council leader Rob Stewart said those comments were “misleading”, prompting the authority to publish the notes in full.

The release of the document has intensified an already bitter row between the council and Welsh rugby’s governing body.

Swansea Bay News previously revealed what it described as “smoking gun” notes from the meeting, which suggested the Ospreys could effectively lose their future as a professional team at St Helen’s if the controversial deal goes ahead.

The council has also demanded Tierney resign over what it claims is a “duplicitous plot” surrounding the potential takeover.

Long-time Ospreys supporter and benefactor Rob Davies has also weighed into the debate, insisting Welsh rugby must retain four professional regions.

Swansea West MP Torsten Bell has also confronted the Welsh Rugby Union over the crisis.

The escalating war of words now leaves the future of the Ospreys – and the wider structure of professional rugby in Wales – hanging in the balance.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

“Be straight with fans”: Swansea MP challenges WRU bosses in crisis talks
A tense showdown as MPs demand clarity over the Ospreys’ future.

WRU hits back as row over Swansea Council notes explodes
Rugby chiefs push back hard after claims about behind‑closed‑doors talks.

“Resign now”: Council leader calls for WRU boss to quit
A political firestorm erupts as accusations of a “duplicitous plot” surface.

“Smoking gun” minutes reveal explosive new details in Ospreys saga
Secret notes land — and they raise even bigger questions about what really happened.

More WRU coverage
All the latest twists, rows and revelations from inside Welsh rugby.

RESIGN NOW! Council leader calls for WRU boss to quit as ‘duplicitous’ plot exposed

In an explosive personal statement, Cllr Rob Stewart said the “last shreds of trust” in the Welsh Rugby Union have been “completely destroyed.”

It comes after the council published bombshell minutes from a secret January meeting, which revealed the WRU’s plan to axe the Ospreys by 2027.

In a bizarre twist, it has emerged that the WRU itself may have inadvertently caused the secret notes to be made public by submitting a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the council.

Cllr Stewart branded the move “really you could not make this up,” suggesting the WRU accidentally forced the release of information they were trying to keep private.

He said: “It’s now really clear the actions were duplicitous, the statements misleading, the processes predetermined.”

“Ms Tierney must now resign immediately to restore trust in Welsh rugby.”

The Council Leader also turned his fire on the wider WRU board, questioning whether the chairman and other directors were aware of the “misleading” statements.

He raised “serious concerns” about whether the WRU leadership had misled a Senedd committee during recent evidence sessions.

The Senedd has already accused the WRU of a “dereliction of duty” over its plans to cut a Welsh region.

Cllr Stewart added: “WRU leaders cannot mislead fans, Government and the public and remain in post — it’s time to go!”

The fallout follows the council’s decision to launch high-stakes legal action to block the sale of Cardiff Rugby to Ospreys owners Y11.

The council claims the deal is a “predetermined” move to wipe out the Ospreys as a regional force in West Wales.

Alun Wyn Jones previously warned that the loss of the region would leave a “rugby black hole” across the city.

The latest showdown has sent shockwaves through the game, with 51 clubs already moving to axe the WRU chairman in a vote of no confidence.

Cllr Stewart concluded: “Our national sport is in disarray, we need a change in leadership at the WRU quickly.”

The WRU has hit back at Cllr Stewart’s claims saying the notes released by the council were “not an accurate reflection of what was said”.

Meanwhile, Swansea West MP Torsten Bell has confronted the Welsh Rugby Union over the crisis.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

“Be straight with fans”: Swansea MP challenges WRU bosses in crisis talks
A tense showdown as MPs demand clarity over the Ospreys’ future.

WRU hits back as row over Swansea Council notes explodes
Rugby chiefs push back hard after claims about behind‑closed‑doors talks.

“Resign now”: Council leader calls for WRU boss to quit
A political firestorm erupts as accusations of a “duplicitous plot” surface.

“Smoking gun” minutes reveal explosive new details in Ospreys saga
Secret notes land — and they raise even bigger questions about what really happened.

More WRU coverage
All the latest twists, rows and revelations from inside Welsh rugby.

SWANSEA: Free buses return for Easter holidays to help families save cash

The free travel initiative starts on Saturday, March 28, and will be available to everyone using buses within the city on selected dates.

The council says the offer is designed to help families make the most of what the city has to offer, from trips to the city centre to days out in Mumbles and Gower.

Swansea Council Leader, Rob Stewart, said the scheme aims to help residents at what can be an expensive time of year.

“Easter can be an expensive time for everyone but we’re committed to ensuring families in Swansea can save a bit of money on travel costs,” Cllr Stewart said.

He added that families could save up to £20 a time, and urged people to “leave the car at home and save their petrol money to spend on other things.”

Since the free bus scheme was first launched, the council says residents and visitors have enjoyed more than one million free journeys.

The council has also confirmed it has set aside £450,000 in this year’s budget to ensure the free bus offer can continue for the summer and Christmas school holidays as well.

Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said a key aim was to encourage more people to use public transport.

“We know lots of people travel by car and may not have been on a bus previously,” Cllr Stevens explained.

“This free bus offer is a great way of introducing more people to public transport and reduce the number of cars on our roads.”

He added that it was important to support public transport operators in Swansea and increase passenger numbers.

The free bus travel will be available on the following eight days:

• Saturday 28th March 2026
• Sunday 29th March 2026
• Friday 3rd April 2026 (Good Friday)
• Saturday 4th April 2026 (Easter Saturday)
• Sunday 5th April 2026 (Easter Sunday)
• Monday 6th April 2026 (Easter Monday)
• Saturday 11th April 2026
• Sunday 12th April 2026

Council fraud team saves £1.1m by clamping down on system abuse and benefits cheats

Swansea Council says the impressive figure highlights its efforts against those who misuse public funds, with the fraud team uncovering significant overpayments and fraudulent claims.

Almost £470,000 was identified in social housing overpayments, alongside a similar sum in housing and welfare benefits, according to the council’s latest report.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, stressed the vital importance of ensuring that the millions of pounds of public money spent on services every year reaches those who truly need it.

He issued a clear warning that the council would take firm action against fraud wherever it is found.

“Among local authorities in Wales our fraud team has helped lead the way in seeking out, detecting and acting in cases of fraud,” Cllr Stewart stated.

He believes the counter-fraud team’s proactive approach has established a strong deterrent effect on would-be fraudsters.

The council’s ongoing work to tackle fraud is detailed in the counter-fraud team’s half-yearly report, which is being presented to the Governance and Audit committee this week.

The report also noted a low number of internal fraud claims within the council itself.

Only nine cases of internal fraud were reported among a workforce exceeding 11,000 employees.

Four of these cases have already been concluded, with five remaining under active investigation.

Cllr Stewart acknowledged that fraud is a widespread issue in society, and councils, like other organisations, are targets.

He noted that both individuals and more organised criminal elements attempt to defraud public services.

“This half-year report shows Swansea Council is not a soft touch and we will challenge fraud wherever we find it, aiming to bring to justice those engaged in such practices,” Cllr Stewart declared.

The council’s robust efforts aim to ensure that every penny of the millions spent on services annually is protected for legitimate use.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspected fraudulent activity to the council.

City leaders get hands-on in Gower to back ‘farm to fork’ food revolution

Members of the Swansea Public Services Board (PSB) made the trip to the great outdoors this week to visit Cae Tan Community Supported Agriculture, a working farm dedicated to sustainable growing.

The high-level delegation included representatives from Swansea Council, the Swansea Bay University Health Board, and Natural Resources Wales, all keen to support locally grown produce.

According to organisers, the visit showcased how seasonal vegetables are being supplied directly to Swansea households, bypassing traditional supermarket chains.

The event was co-ordinated by Bwyd Abertawe Food—Swansea’s Local Food Partnership—alongside teams dedicated to promoting healthy weight and nutritious diets across the region.

The group has confirmed that plans are now underway to develop a dedicated local food strategy for Swansea to ensure more families can access sustainable produce.

Dawn Lyle, Chair of Bwyd Abertawe Food, has said that “real momentum” is building around strengthening the food system in the city and surrounding areas.

“This gathering at Cae Tan gave us a valuable opportunity to hear directly about the realities faced by growers and farmers,” she confirmed following the visit.

The leaders also discussed how public sector organisations can use their massive buying power to put more Gower-grown food into schools and hospitals.

Grower Eva Walter-Jones, who welcomed the partners onto the land, has outlined exciting plans to expand vegetable supplies to local schools through the ‘Welsh Veg in Schools’ initiative.

“It was very positive to see so much joined-up thinking and an appetite to do more,” Eva has said, adding that the collaboration gives “a lot of hope” for the future.

Cllr Andrea Williams, Joint Deputy Leader of Swansea Council, has confirmed the authority’s commitment to the project, stating: “We must think differently about how we grow, buy and serve food.”

Senedd committee’s damning WRU verdict must be a ‘wake-up call’, says Swansea Council leader

Cllr Rob Stewart welcomed the conclusions of the Senedd’s Culture, Communications, Welsh Language, Sport, and International Relations Committee, saying they echo the deep concern felt across Wales.

It comes after the committee accused the WRU of a “dereliction of duty” over its controversial plans to cut the number of men’s regional teams from four to three.

In its scathing report, the committee warned that Welsh rugby is in a “perilous state” and that the WRU “does not have the consensus needed” to proceed with its plan. It also said it was “alarmed” to learn the WRU has no Plan B, and urged the Union not to “win the vote but lose the soul of Welsh rugby.”

Responding to the report, Cllr Stewart said:

“I have never seen such a damning report from a Senedd committee. Their views reflect what we have been saying and what supporters across Wales have been telling the WRU for some time.

“This is the wrong plan, it doesn’t have support of fans or players and it threatens the future of the game in Wales. We urge the WRU to listen to the people of Wales and find another option that people can support.

“This has to be a wake-up call for the WRU who cannot continue ignoring the views of rugby players, supporters and communities across Wales.”

Swansea Council has been embroiled in a bitter dispute with the WRU over the future of the Ospreys, and has recently launched formal legal action against the governing body in a bid to halt the proposed sale of Cardiff Rugby to Y11 Sport & Media, who also own the Ospreys.

The council argues the deal breaches UK competition law and has also asked the Competition and Markets Authority to investigate.

Councillor denies being suspended by Labour, says he quit over Skyline

Joe Hale, who represents St Thomas, announced last week that he was becoming an independent councillor. The move came after Swansea Bay News reported that he had been suspended by the Labour Party over allegations of harassment and malicious communications.

In a statement to Swansea Bay News, Cllr Hale said he had not received any notice of suspension from the Swansea Labour Party, and that he had resigned “due to the destruction of our only green space in our ward, Kilvey Hill.”

That directly contradicts a statement issued by the office of council leader Rob Stewart last week, which said Cllr Hale had been suspended on Thursday 19 February — six days before his video announcement — “following serious allegations of misconduct being received.”

The council leader’s office said the allegations, “specifically related to malicious communications and harassment,” had also been raised with police.

Cllr Hale said he was “absolutely opposed to public money being handed over to profiteers” and questioned why the council should “subsidise a private company via the public purse” given the economic hardship facing many residents.

The council leader’s office previously pushed back on Cllr Hale’s financial claims, saying the points he raised were “ones the council has formally answered via the planning process and / or via numerous questions submitted to the council’s technical officers,” and that “Cllr Hale has not accepted the answers given to him.”

Cllr Hale also addressed claims that he should have raised his objections sooner, saying: “I have from day one and even attempted to get the council to have public meetings in St Thomas. It is a matter of record that I spoke against this at planning.”

The council’s previous statement said records showed Cllr Hale “didn’t take the opportunity to attend cabinet meetings when these matters were discussed despite having the chance to do so.”

He also responded to suggestions that his proximity to the development influenced his position. “The fact that I live in St Thomas has been used as a reason as to why I have objected to Skyline, but we have been told by the planning department that St Thomas will not be affected. Or has something changed?”

The council leader’s office had previously noted that Cllr Hale “has continued to voice his opposition to the scheme which is near to his own property.”

Cllr Hale said he had received “huge support” from residents of St Thomas and Port Tennant since announcing his resignation, as well as from work and trade union colleagues.

Cllr Hale’s statement in full:

First can i express my thanks to the residents of St Thomas and Port tennant for the huge support i have received since i announced my resignation from the Labour Party and can i thank my work colleagues and trade union colleagues for the same support and encoragement.

I have not recieved any form of notice of suspension from the Swansea Labour Party.

I resigned due to the destruction of our only green space in our ward, Kilvey Hill. The designated quiet area lost for ever and only one on the Eastside of Swansea.

I am absolutely opposed to public money being handed over to profiteers — why do we have to subsidise a private company via the public purse? Given the economic hardship many of our community are going through, giving our money to this type of venture is not what we should be doing.

Some have said i should have objected earlier and spoke up sooner. I have from day one and even attempted to get the council to have public meetings in St Thomas. It is a matter of record that i spoke against this at planning.

The fact that i live in St Thomas has been used as a reason as to why i have objected to Skyline, but we have been told by the planning dept that St Thomas will not be effected? Or has something changed?

— Joe Hale, Independent Cllr, St Thomas

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.”

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.

Swansea Council launches legal action against WRU over Cardiff Rugby sale

The Council argues that the WRU’s agreement with Y11, which already owns the Ospreys, breaches UK competition law and undermines the integrity of the WRU’s own restructuring process for the men’s professional game.

The move is the latest escalation in a bitter dispute over the future of Welsh regional rugby, which has seen the WRU announce plans to cut one of Wales’s four professional teams by 2027.

In a statement, Swansea Council said it had been left with no choice but to act after the WRU moved to strike a direct deal to sell Cardiff Rugby to Y11, bypassing an open competition it had publicly committed to.

“We have serious legal concerns about the proposed sale of Cardiff Rugby to Y11 and the WRU’s decision to cut the number of regional teams from four to three,” said Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council.

“We believe the WRU’s actions breach competition law, and we intend to challenge their process in court.”

The legal proceedings follow Swansea Council’s recent request for the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to investigate the proposed deal.

Cllr Stewart added: “We are taking steps to challenge a process that threatens the future of regional rugby in Swansea. If this deal proceeds then the Ospreys will cease to exist as a professional regional team at the end of the 2026/27 season, based on what we’ve been told.

“We believe the WRU has acted unlawfully, and we will continue fighting on behalf of the Ospreys and rugby supporters across Wales.”

The WRU rescued Cardiff Rugby from administration in April 2025 at a cost believed to be in the region of £9 million.

Celine Jones, of Capital Law who acts for Swansea Council, said: “The potential sale of Cardiff Rugby by the WRU to Y11 – the owner of the Ospreys – and the decision to reduce the licences from four to three (with Cardiff Rugby being guaranteed one of the three) raises valid concerns which the court and the CMA are being asked to investigate.”

The Welsh Rugby Union has given written confirmation that it will not complete the deal with Y11 to buy Cardiff Rugby prior to March 16. That’s when Swansea Council’s injunction application to pause the deal will be heard at the High Court.

Councillor suspended by Labour Party over harassment allegations before announcing Skyline “resignation”

In a video posted to social media on Tuesday, Cllr Joe Hale announced he was becoming an independent councillor, blaming his departure on the Skyline development on Kilvey Hill and claiming “the Labour Party have left me.”

However, a statement issued by the office of Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart has revealed that Cllr Hale was suspended days before his video announcement.

A spokesperson said: “The Labour Party suspended Cllr Hale on Thursday 19th February, prior to his announcement, and following serious allegations of misconduct being received. The allegations of misconduct, specifically related to malicious communications and harassment, were also raised with the police.”

Misinformation battle

The row comes as both Swansea Council and the developers, Skyline Swansea, have been forced to publicly counter what they describe as “misinformation circulating online” about the project.

In a social media post, the council directly addressed claims that Natural Resources Wales (NRW) knew nothing about the development, stating that NRW were consulted during the planning process. The council also refuted claims that tree felling was happening without permission, confirming that planning consent was granted in July 2025.

Skyline Swansea also issued a statement to reassure the public that access to Kilvey Hill was being maintained via a re-routed path, a move they said went “beyond minimum safety standards.”

Hale’s video claims

VIDEO: Cllr Joe Hale’s announcement posted to social media on Tuesday 25 February

In his video, Cllr Hale said he could not “remain a Labour councillor when we’re spending £50 million on what, to all intents and purposes, is the gondola gamble.” He claimed the council had already invested £8 million and was proposing to increase this to £10 million.

He added that “the last three weeks” had been “a disgrace” and claimed “people are being hurt by the actions of politicians.”

Council: Scheme near his property

Responding to the video, the statement from the council leader’s office questioned Cllr Hale’s motivations, stating that he “has continued to voice his opposition to the scheme which is near to his own property.”

It continued: “The points Cllr Hale raises are ones the council has formally answered via the planning process and / or via numerous questions submitted to the council’s technical officers. Cllr Hale has not accepted the answers given to him.”

The statement also noted that “the records show Cllr Hale didn’t take the opportunity to attend cabinet meetings when these matters were discussed despite having the chance to do so.”

“Extremely concerning” posts

The statement described Cllr Hale’s recent social media activity as “extremely concerning.”

“While Cllr Hale is entitled to campaign on any matter, it was extremely concerning to see Cllr Hale recently share posts which constituted malicious communications and harassment and contained abusive language and threats directed at his former colleagues,” it said.

No response

Cllr Hale was contacted for comment on his suspension and the allegations but had not responded by the time of publication.

Swansea residents accuse insurance giant Zurich of fraud over ‘worthless’ flats

Residents of the Aurora complex in Swansea Marina claim Zurich issued 10-year home warranties for their properties, built by Persimmon Homes around 2008, despite surveyors allegedly failing to carry out proper inspections. The allegations are supported by a former Zurich employee who claims surveyors were so overburdened they could not inspect all properties, and that completion certificates were sometimes issued before inspections took place.

Zurich has emphasized that its insurance policy was designed as backup cover that would only apply if Persimmon Homes became insolvent and unable to carry out repairs. The insurer states it was never intended to provide leaseholders with primary cover for building defects, and that responsibility for fixing the issues lies with the developer.

Jayne MacGregor, one of the 30 leaseholders in the legal action, said her retirement investment flat has become a “noose around my neck.” She told the BBC she has had to continue working beyond her retirement to pay legal costs and a second mortgage on the property, which is now blighted by extensive water ingress and fire safety defects.

The legal action follows a 2019 High Court ruling in Manchester where a judge found Zurich had committed “deceit” in a similar case. In that instance, involving the New Lawrence House development, His Honour Judge Stephen Davies ruled that Zurich Building Control had fraudulently issued building regulations certificates for what he described as a “seriously defective” building.

A Pattern of Allegations

The Aurora residents’ claims echo those made in other parts of the UK, painting a picture of what they allege are systemic issues. In the Manchester case, the Court of Appeal upheld the ruling against Zurich, with Lord Justice Coulson describing the insurer’s interpretation of its own policy as a “strained and artificial construction” that made it “impossible to see any circumstances in which [the insurers] would ever pay out.”

Closer to home, residents of Wales’ tallest building, the nearby Meridian Quay tower, reached an out-of-court settlement with Zurich in 2022 over a similar claim alleging deceit. In 2021, around 90 flat owners at Meridian Quay were pursuing a £25 million claim against Zurich, with allegations the firm acted “recklessly and fraudulently.”

Phil Lake, managing director of the head leaseholder at Meridian Quay, said at the time that residents had paid over £1 million in excess insurance premiums due to the defects and that people had been “living in danger.”

Whistleblower Claims

The Aurora residents’ allegations are supported by an anonymous former Zurich employee who told the BBC that when the firm was exiting the home warranty market after the 2008 financial crash, the workload became unmanageable.

“There simply weren’t enough hours in a day [to do all the jobs],” the former surveyor said. “[An] email instruction came down [and said] I’ve issued the cover notes, can you inspect them next week? Well, people are living in them next week so I can’t go and inspect them. It was a ridiculous situation… I knew what we were doing wasn’t right but I still needed to keep shoes on feet and food on the table.”

The developer, Persimmon Homes, is now undertaking a full-scale remediation of the Aurora building to fix the defects, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Persimmon has faced criticism over quality issues at developments across the UK, with reports in 2019 of missing or incorrectly installed fire barriers that led to a fire in an Exeter estate “rapidly escalating” as it spread between properties.

“Property Prison”

For the residents of Aurora, the legal and construction issues have left them in what solicitor Martin Scott describes as a “property prison.” Speaking to the BBC, Mr Scott, who specialises in complex construction disputes, said owners are trapped.

“You can’t re-mortgage because nobody will touch you where there are fire issues, you can’t sell because there’s no market,” he said. “The truth is a property purchase is the biggest purchase any ordinary person will make in their lives so if that goes wrong then their life goes wrong.”

A Zurich spokesperson said: “We appreciate the stress this situation has caused for leaseholders. Responsibility for repairing defects at Aurora lies firmly with the developer, Persimmon Homes. The Zurich policy provides protection if the developer becomes insolvent and cannot carry out repairs. We hope that Persimmon can resolve this situation for leaseholders as quickly as possible.

“The insurer refutes the allegations that insurance documents were issued improperly, and states that while it conducted checks for underwriting purposes, statutory building inspections were the responsibility of the local authority, not Zurich”.

Swansea Council, which was responsible for ensuring the original construction complied with building regulations, said it was unable to comment as it was not a party to the proposed legal action.

EDITORS NOTE
This article was updated on 26 February at 2.50pm to include additional context from Zurich Insurance about the structure of its insurance policy and to clarify the distinction between statutory building inspections and underwriting checks.

M&S to close 69-year-old Swansea store in ‘huge shock’ to council

The retailer confirmed the proposed closure is due to a “sustained decline in sales over 10 years,” making the huge Oxford Street store no longer viable. While no exact date has been set, the closure is planned for late 2026.

In a letter to council leader Rob Stewart, M&S Head of External Affairs, Adam Hawksbee, explained the decision was part of a UK-wide programme to ensure stores are in the “right space to deliver an excellent shopping experience.”

“This proposal follows a sustained decline in sales over 10 years, meaning it is no longer viable as a full-line store,” Mr Hawksbee wrote. “Our store rotation programme is about ensuring we have the right stores, in the right place with the right space to deliver an excellent shopping experience for our customers.”

Responding on Facebook, Cllr Rob Stewart called the decision “hugely disappointing” and a “huge shock to the council, as it will to the staff and customers.”

He revealed that the council had successfully worked behind the scenes to prevent the store from being included in previous national closure rounds.

“We had successfully worked behind the scenes engaging with M&S senior decision makers to avoid this store being included in the previous rounds of M&S closures and have been encouraging M&S to invest,” Cllr Stewart said. “However yesterday’s urgent meeting and the letter that followed, has come as a huge shock.”

An official Swansea Council statement added: “The news from M&S is extremely disappointing for staff and shoppers. We’ve spent several years actively working to prevent M&S closing at this location.”

Despite the closure, both parties have stated they are committed to keeping the M&S brand in Swansea. The council confirmed it will “do all we can to help M&S find an alternative store location in Swansea.”

This is reinforced in the M&S letter, which states: “Despite the proposed closure, M&S remains fully committed to serving customers across Wales… while actively looking for a suitable location for a future full-line M&S store in Swansea.”

Once the Oxford Street store closes, shoppers will still be able to visit M&S Foodhalls at Fforestfach Retail Park and in Mumbles. The nearest full-line department store will be at Parc Trostre in Llanelli.

The closure is another blow to the city centre, with the M&S building occupying a prime position next door to the council’s recently opened Y Storfa community hub, which itself is housed in the former BHS building.

The move is part of a wider national strategy that has already seen nearly 90 M&S stores close, including the Neath store in 2025.

NEXT STEP FOR CITY CENTRE: Work begins at former St David’s site for major new office development

The scheme is expected to bring hundreds of workers back into the heart of the city, providing a significant boost in footfall and spending for local businesses. The Council claims the development will follow the success of other recent projects, such as 71/72 Kingsway and the Y Storfa community hub, which are already delivering increased activity to the area.

‘More than Bricks and Mortar’

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, hailed the move as a vital part of the city’s long-term regeneration. He argued that the development is about more than just construction; it is about creating the economic conditions for the city to thrive.

“This is another major step forward in our long-term plan to regenerate Swansea city centre and create the conditions for more jobs, more investment and more opportunities for local businesses,” said Cllr Stewart.

“Developments like this are about far more than bricks and mortar. By bringing hundreds of workers into the city centre every day, we’re increasing footfall and spending power for our existing traders. That in turn helps create the confidence and demand needed to attract new shops, cafés and other businesses.”

Addressing High Street Challenges

The Council Leader acknowledged the ongoing challenges facing traditional high streets, particularly from the rise of online shopping. He stated that the “reality” is that businesses will only invest in Swansea if the footfall figures justify it.

Cllr Stewart added:

“The reality is that shops and other businesses will only choose to open in Swansea if the city centre footfall figures show it’s worth their investment. Schemes like this directly strengthen that case and help ensure our city centre has a strong and sustainable future.”

Essential Site Investigations

The site investigation works currently under way are described by the Council as a “routine and essential part” of major construction projects. These works will inform the detailed design and ensure the site is fully prepared before the main build works begin.

The Council believes that by bringing hundreds of new workers into the city centre daily, the local authority will see a measurable increase in spending at nearby shops, cafes, and services, ensuring the city heart remains resilient and thriving.

Council tax up 3.9% as Swansea Council plans £13m savings and extra cash for roads and events

Council tax rise and savings set out

The council says the increase works out at around £1.01 a week for a Band B home. Of the 3.9%, around 0.5% would go to the Mid and West Wales Fire Service, meaning the council’s own share is closer to 3.4%.

To keep the rise at that level, the authority says it needs to make £13m in new savings and efficiencies in the coming year.

Extra money for roads, events and neighbourhood improvements

A new Economic Growth Fund is being proposed to target issues residents raise most often, including road conditions and the look and feel of neighbourhoods.

According to the council, the fund would include an extra £3m for resurfacing and potholes, taking next year’s roads budget to more than £12m within a wider £37m allocation for highways and transport.

The council says the fund would also support events, tourism and community initiatives, including additional investment in Christmas activities.

More money for schools and social care

Schools would receive an above‑inflation uplift of £12.3m, taking the total education budget to £240.4m.

Services for vulnerable adults, children and anti‑poverty work would see a £10.9m increase, bringing the total to £206.9m.

Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said the budget aimed to protect frontline services while responding to issues residents regularly raise about road repairs and street cleanliness.

Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said:

“We have a strong track record of using our money wisely and driving down our costs which means we can now put record funding into vital services such as schools and social services.

“But we’re also looking to go further and faster in tackling the other issues residents care about in their communities, particularly road repairs and keeping our streets clean.”

Street cleaning, fly‑tipping and footpaths

The draft budget includes permanent funding for deep‑cleaning teams worth £474,000, alongside £250,000 for fly‑tipping enforcement and £150,000 for bridleways and footpaths.

The council says it will also continue initiatives such as free bus travel days, food support grants and Swansea Spaces.

The proposals will be considered by Cabinet on February 19 before going to Full Council next month.

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.

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.

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.”

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”.

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
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Plans unveiled for 150‑home riverside neighbourhood in St Thomas
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Chicken from China and Thailand served in school dinners as Welsh farmers ‘cut out of the system’

A major investigation by the Countryside Alliance has exposed how councils across Wales are relying on frozen chicken shipped thousands of miles around the world, even in rural areas surrounded by farms and food producers.

The data shows that Swansea Council sourced just 2.33% of its school‑meal chicken from the UK. The rest came from the EU and from China, Thailand and Brazil — with 31.96% imported from outside Europe.

Carmarthenshire Council admitted using frozen chicken from outside the EU but refused to say how much or from which countries. Pembrokeshire Council also declined to provide percentages, saying only that it used “some” UK and EU chicken.

Neath Port Talbot Council did not respond at all.

Bridgend was one of only two councils in Wales able to confirm that 100% of its chicken came from the UK.

The Countryside Alliance said the findings show a “systemic failure” to support Welsh farmers, with procurement rules and large contracts favouring cheap imports over local produce.

Across Wales, the worst figures were recorded in Merthyr Tydfil, where 99.35% of chicken served to pupils came from China and Thailand. Conwy reported 94% from Thailand and Brazil. Gwynedd — a predominantly rural county — reported 87.62% from Brazil, Thailand and China.

The report also revealed that not one council in Wales could say what proportion of its school‑meal chicken was actually Welsh.

The figures have caused uproar among farming families.

Hefin Jones, a father of three and a farmer in Conwy, said he was “deeply disappointed and frustrated” to learn that 94% of the chicken used in his local schools came from Thailand and Brazil.

“As parents we do our best to feed our kids nutritious healthy food, while our council disrespects the health and safety of our kids,” he said.

The Countryside Alliance said the situation made no sense in a country that prides itself on high food standards and strong farming communities.

Rachel Evans, Director of Countryside Alliance Wales, said:

“As a mother and a farmer, I’m shocked and disappointed. When we have such high‑quality Welsh and British produce, so much of the chicken our children are eating is being shipped in from the other side of the world.”

She said the Welsh Government’s own sustainability policies were being undermined by public bodies serving imported chicken “flown or shipped in from as far away as Thailand, China and Brazil”.

The Alliance said procurement rules were stacked against Welsh farmers, with councils tied into large contracts that favour cheap imports over local produce. It also warned that many councils could not trace where their chicken came from, calling the lack of transparency “deeply concerning”.

The Welsh Local Government Association defended councils, saying imported chicken was sometimes used because of cost pressures and availability, and insisted all chicken must meet UK food safety standards.

The Welsh Government said it was working with councils and suppliers to shorten supply chains and increase the use of Welsh food in schools.

But the issue has now erupted into a political row, with the Welsh Conservatives accusing Plaid Cymru and Labour of presiding over a system that imports chicken from thousands of miles away while Welsh farmers struggle.

Welsh Conservative Shadow Education Secretary Natasha Asghar MS said:

“Food for our children should be sourced within Wales wherever possible. Local authorities should be supporting Welsh farmers and producers, not shipping frozen chicken halfway around the world.”

She said the current approach “undermines food security” and raised questions about value for money and standards.

Welsh Conservative Shadow Rural Affairs Secretary Samuel Kurtz MS said:

“Welsh farmers are being undercut here. Plaid and Labour are importing frozen chicken from thousands of miles away while Reform would prioritise chlorinated chicken from the US. Using locally sourced Welsh produce would strengthen farm incomes, support rural jobs and shorten supply chains.”

The Countryside Alliance is now calling for urgent reform of school‑meal procurement, including mandatory reporting on where food comes from and new rules that allow councils to prioritise Welsh and British produce.

Swansea’s new Y Storfa hub draws praise as visitors embrace city centre one‑stop shop

The building, which opened on December 1 in the former BHS store on Oxford Street, has been “busy every day”, according to Swansea Council. The authority says visitors have praised its central location, bright design and the convenience of having multiple services under one roof.

Council leader Rob Stewart said the reaction had exceeded expectations.

Cllr Stewart said:

“We’re delighted that public and staff feedback from the early weeks at Y Storfa has been so positive. Public comments continue to be fantastic; our staff and partners love working here. It’s proving to be a real success.”

Community groups using the space say it has already become a valued meeting point.

Jean Blair, from social group Mentro Allan, said:

“We really enjoy meeting here. Y Storfa has welcoming staff, plenty of comfortable space and is in a central location.”

The South Wales Miners’ Library, now based inside the hub, says the move has made it far easier for people to drop in.

Sian Williams, head of cultural collections at Swansea University, said:

“We’re much more accessible here and are delighted with the number of people who’ve called in and continue to do so. We’re open to everybody and it’s great to welcome a range of visitors.”

The council’s lifelong learning team says demand has surged since relocating.

Service co‑ordinator Judith Porch said:

“With so many services being in one space, Y Storfa is connecting people. It’s great for supporting our learners — you can see how people are enjoying the experience. We’ve seen huge interest in our lifelong learning classes; our IT classes are now completely full.”

Frontline staff say the hub is already improving how residents access help.

Senior revenues and benefits officer Andrea Jones said:

“Y Storfa has made it easy for customers to access many services in one place. I had a customer who came in for a query about benefits who was then able to go straight to housing options. It makes it much more convenient being in the same location.”

The council says the numbers back up the positive feedback. December saw more than 670 new central library members — more than triple the usual monthly average — and children’s library loans have risen. The South Wales Miners’ Library, Citizens Advice, West Glamorgan Archive Service and Careers Wales all report increased footfall.

Cllr Stewart says the hub is already playing a role in boosting the wider city centre.

He said:

“Thousands of people have already enjoyed what Y Storfa has to offer. They like its accessible and compelling mix of essential services. There’s been a significant uplift in visitors compared to previous locations used by the services based there.”

Y Storfa forms part of Swansea Council’s £1bn regeneration programme and was delivered with support from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns fund. The council says its location — close to car parks, bus routes and the newly reopened Park Street East car park — is helping draw people back into the city centre.

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Public meeting called as fight to save the Ospreys intensifies

Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart and Swansea West MP Torsten Bell will host the meeting at the Guildhall at 6.30pm on Wednesday 4 February, bringing together supporters, former players and community figures who want to keep men’s professional rugby in the city.

The move comes as anger continues to build over the WRU’s plans to cut the number of elite teams from four to three — a proposal widely believed to put the Ospreys most at risk. The meeting is being billed as a chance for supporters to hear the latest developments, discuss next steps and show the strength of feeling across Swansea Bay.

Torsten Bell said the Ospreys had been treated with “zero respect” by the WRU in recent weeks.

“The Ospreys matter to our city, to our communities, and to loyal supporters who deserve to be treated with more than the zero respect that the WRU have shown them,” he said. “At this uncertain moment, it’s vital that we come together, share information, and show that the whole region stands united behind its team.”

Council leader Rob Stewart said the fight was about far more than sport.

“This is about more than rugby – it’s about pride, community and the future of professional sport in our city,” he said. “We want to make sure the voices of supporters and local leaders are heard loud and clear.”

The meeting is open to supporters, community representatives and anyone concerned about the Ospreys’ future. Those planning to attend have been asked to RSVP via [email protected].

The announcement marks the latest escalation in a crisis that has already seen senior players, MPs, actors, councillors and supporters’ groups unite in opposition to the WRU’s direction. With a petition now gathering signatures across Wales and political pressure mounting, campaigners say the public meeting is another chance to show the union the strength of local resolve.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

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The council warned the region was at risk in the proposed shake‑up.

Council leader tables emergency motion over Ospreys future

The motion will be debated at today’s full council meeting at the Guildhall, where members of the public will be able to ask questions before councillors vote on the proposal.

Rob Stewart, leader of Swansea Council, said he was “extremely concerned” about the WRU’s direction, warning that the governing body’s plan, combined with confirmation that Y11 is negotiating to buy Cardiff Rugby, poses a direct threat to the Ospreys’ future as a regional side. He said recent developments had “deviated significantly” from the WRU’s own stated approach and were “neither fair nor transparent”.

Stewart said the WRU had never provided evidence to support its claim that Wales lacks the money or talent to sustain four regions. He pointed out that the WRU received more than £20 million more than the Irish Rugby Football Union last year, despite Ireland continuing to fund four successful regions and achieving major success at club and international level.

The motion urges the WRU to withdraw its proposal immediately, citing the impact on Swansea residents, future generations, local wellbeing and the concerns expressed by supporters, players and clubs.

The intervention comes after weeks of escalating tension. Ospreys legends recently united to demand a rethink, while Swansea Council previously blasted the WRU over fears the region could be “wiped out”. Talks have since taken place over a possible return to St Helen’s, but the row deepened when Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley hit back at the council in a public dispute over the region’s future. Local MPs have also accused the WRU of a “stitch‑up”.

Stewart’s motion goes further than previous statements, confirming support for “any reasonable actions” to secure the Ospreys’ future in Swansea, including potential legal action to prevent the WRU from ending regional rugby in the city. It also commits to redeveloping St Helen’s into a modern venue capable of hosting the region, while stressing that any development of women’s rugby must be in addition to, not instead of, retaining the Ospreys.

The motion instructs Stewart and senior officers to write to the WRU, the Ospreys, Y11, World Rugby and other relevant bodies to set out Swansea’s position and request support in protecting regional rugby.

The political pressure follows a high‑profile intervention from actor Michael Sheen, who urged the WRU to rethink its plans earlier this week. With former players, politicians, supporters and now the council leader united in opposition, scrutiny on the WRU continues to intensify.

Emergency motion submitted by Cllr Rob Stewart

This council is extremely concerned about the WRU’s plan to cut regional rugby from four teams to three. It will have a significant impact on sport and wellbeing in the Swansea Bay region and will negatively impact the economy of Swansea and South Wales.

We are especially concerned about the impacts the WRU plan has on the Ospreys’ future as a regional team, following the WRU confirmation that Y11 is negotiating to buy Cardiff Rugby from the WRU. The Council is concerned that recent developments have deviated significantly from the WRU’s own approach and are neither fair nor transparent.

The WRU have claimed there is not enough money or talent in Wales to continue with four regions. They have never provided detailed evidence to support this statement. We believe there are sufficient resources within the WRU to fund four successful regions going forward. The WRU received more than £20 million more than the Irish Rugby Football Union, who have retained four regions and are achieving significant success at regional and national level.

Given the significance of safeguarding the future of Welsh rugby, acknowledging the impact on Swansea residents, future generations, wellbeing and the considerable concerns expressed by fans, players, clubs and the wider public regarding the WRU’s current proposals, we urge the WRU to immediately reconsider its approach and withdraw its proposal to reduce the number of professional regional rugby teams in Wales from four to three.

This council resolves that we fully endorse and support the statements made by the Leader and the Council following the meeting with the WRU and Ospreys Chief Executives.

We fully support the Council in taking any reasonable actions to ensure the future of the Ospreys as a regional professional side continuing to play in Swansea. This includes any appropriate legal action to prevent the WRU from ending regional rugby in Swansea.

We support any efforts the Council may wish to take to explore opportunities to encourage, promote and develop women’s rugby to be played in Swansea, but this must be in addition to the retention of the Ospreys as a regional rugby team based in Swansea.

We support the Council in its commitment to redevelop St Helen’s to support the creation of an enhanced modern rugby venue to meet the aspirations of the Ospreys region to return to St Helen’s. This does not preclude the Ospreys negotiating use of the Swansea.com Stadium for individual games should they need to do so.

We request the Leader or the relevant officers write to the WRU, the Ospreys, Y11, World Rugby or any other relevant party to outline the Council’s position and request assistance in taking whatever actions are necessary to protect regional rugby in Swansea and the future success of rugby at all levels in Wales.

Swansea ranks among UK’s worst for Blue Badge parking misuse, new data shows

New data released by mobility specialists CareCo reveals the scale of illegal parking in disabled bays, with Swansea responsible for 7.1% of all UK misuse cases in 2024. That places the city sixth nationally, ahead of major urban areas including Westminster, Bristol and Glasgow.

Only a handful of the UK’s largest cities — including Birmingham, Bournemouth, London and Cardiff — recorded higher levels of misuse.

The figures come from freedom of information responses submitted to more than 400 councils, and highlight how often disabled parking bays are being used illegally — leaving Blue Badge holders, elderly residents and people with limited mobility struggling to access essential services.

Across the UK, more than 45,000 penalty charge notices were issued last year for vehicles parked in accessible bays without the required permit — an average of 123 incidents every day.

With fines ranging from £70 to £130, the data suggests drivers misusing disabled bays paid more than £3.16 million in penalties in 2024.

William Harrison, founder of CareCo, said:

Accessible parking bays are a vital resource. When they are unavailable, those who need them most can be prevented from attending appointments, visiting shops, or living with their own vital independence. This high demand is under increased pressure from both misuse and lack of availability.

Swansea Council was among the authorities that responded to the FOI request, contributing to the national dataset. The figures show Swansea’s rate of misuse is higher than several larger UK cities, raising questions about enforcement, demand and the availability of accessible bays across the city.

In a statement to Swansea Bay News, a spokesperson from Swansea Council said:

“Accessible parking provision is vital for motorists who have limited mobility and rely on being able to park their vehicle near to local amenities.

“We do all we can to ensure these parking spaces are used properly and our parking enforcement team will continue to issue PCNs to motorists that are not permitted to use them.”

CareCo, which says it supports more than 2.8 million Blue Badge holders through its mobility advice and products, says it hopes the findings will spark a wider conversation about accessibility and independence.

Millions of plastic bags to be scrapped as Swansea recycling shake‑up approved

According to the council, the shake‑up will see residents given new reusable containers, including a hard‑plastic caddy for glass and cans and a resealable sack for paper and card. The authority says the changes are designed to reduce waste, improve recycling performance and support Swansea in continuing to meet the Welsh Government’s statutory 70% recycling target.

The council also says it intends to scrap the current £2.50 charge for garden waste sacks, with new bags to be provided free of charge in future.

Officials describe the measures as part of an “intermediate programme” ahead of a longer‑term Waste Strategy, which they say will be developed later.

A trial collecting soft plastics from around 20% of homes will continue, with the council stating it will seek Welsh Government funding for upgrades at its Baling Plant to allow the service to expand city‑wide.

Cabinet members have also approved further trials of kerbside collections for small electrical items and textiles. The council says this is intended to reduce fire risks from discarded batteries and increase recycling opportunities for residents.

The long‑running Keep Recycling Out policy will be refreshed, with the council pointing to recent analysis showing that around half of black‑bag waste could be recycled if separated correctly. A similar update to the “no recyclables in black bags” rule at Household Waste Recycling Centres has also been agreed.

Cllr Cyril Anderson, Cabinet Member for Community, said:

“Overall, most residents are doing a great job by using our kerbside recycling collection service. Many are recycling as much as they can and this is why we continue to meet the Welsh Government recycling target of 70%.”

But he said too many households are still placing the majority of their waste in black bags instead of separating it for recycling.

Cllr Cyril Anderson said:

“We know there are households who need to do more instead of placing the majority of their household waste in black bags. That is why we are looking at our own service and looking at ways to make it easier for residents, better for the environment and better value for money.”

He said the council will develop a longer‑term Waste Strategy in future, but argued that the short‑term measures approved this week will help Swansea remain one of Wales’ best‑performing recycling authorities.

Cllr Cyril Anderson added:

“In the short term, we are looking at a number of things that can be introduced that I hope will keep Swansea as one of the best performing councils in Wales in terms of recycling.”

The council says the rollout of the new reusable containers is expected to begin in early 2026, alongside wider work to prepare for changes to national waste legislation and future infrastructure needs.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea households set for major recycling shake‑up
Our earlier report on the new containers and free garden waste sacks.

Sketty school leads charge in battery recycling competition
Pupils top a Wales‑wide challenge to boost battery recycling.

Neath Port Talbot residents to see changes to recycling collections
Neighbouring council announces its own shake‑up to simplify the system.

Adrian Chiles praises Swansea’s Clyne Recycling Centre
Broadcaster highlights the site as one of the best he’s visited.

Inside Swansea’s old Debenhams: stripped‑out photos show dramatic transformation as major revamp gathers pace

The 13 interior images, taken as contractors near the end of the strip‑out phase, show the building completely hollowed out: escalators gone, ceilings exposed, and entire floors cleared of fittings, walls and partitions. What was once a maze of cosmetics counters, clothing rails and cafés is now a vast, echoing shell waiting for its next chapter.

A team from Andrew Scott Ltd, working on behalf of Swansea Council, is now close to finishing the demolition‑style clear‑out. The move paves the way for the next stage — a full landlord fitout — allowing future tenants to move in far faster once final agreements are signed.

Plans include splitting the ground floor into two new retail units for nationally recognised brands, while the upper floors are being lined up for a major leisure operator. Talks with prospective tenants are said to be “advanced”, with announcements expected once permissions are secured.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said:

“We know how much this building means to residents and city centre businesses, which is why we stepped in to secure it with support from the Welsh Government after Debenhams went into administration across the country.

The strip‑out works are now largely complete and our focus now is moving to a landlord fitout so prospective tenants can move quickly into their own fitout phase once agreements are finalised.

Bringing this key building back into use is a major step towards creating a vibrant, thriving city centre. Not only will it provide high‑quality retail and leisure spaces, but it will also generate jobs, increase footfall and encourage further investment.”

The stripped‑back photos show just how extensive the transformation has been — bare floors stretching the length of the building, exposed steelwork, and the last remnants of the old department store removed as the site prepares for its new identity.

Steve Rees, Operations Director at Andrew Scott Ltd, said:

“We’re proud to be involved in the regeneration of such a landmark building.

Projects like this play a vital role in revitalising city centres while supporting local jobs and skills.

We have worked closely with our local supply chain partners ensuring the benefits of the investment are felt across the community. Our expertise in large refurbishment projects will contribute to a new retail and leisure facility that will have lasting benefits for Swansea.”

The Debenhams overhaul is the latest in a string of major city‑centre revivals, following the restoration of the Palace Theatre, the 71/72 Kingsway development — now 80% let — and the opening of Y Storfa, the new community services hub inside the former BHS building.

With the interior now stripped back to its bones, the next few months will determine how quickly the old Debenhams can reopen its doors — and which new names will take over one of Swansea’s most iconic retail spaces.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Carmarthen’s old Debenhams reborn as Atriwm – but opening pushed back to 2027
A major redevelopment in Carmarthen hits delays as the former Debenhams prepares for a new future.

Council announces three businesses to move into former city centre Debenhams
Swansea Council confirms the first wave of new tenants set to take over the landmark building.

New tenant for city Debenhams teased as new window vinyl artwork unveiled
Fresh branding appears on the building’s windows, hinting at the next big name moving in.

Former Swansea police station turned into 68‑room homeless accommodation

A Grade II‑listed building once home to Swansea Central Police Station has been completely renovated to provide safe, supported accommodation for people with nowhere else to go.

The site — now known as Llys Glas — includes 68 individual rooms spread across several floors, with shared kitchens, en‑suite bathrooms, communal areas and round‑the‑clock support for residents. Many of those moving in are dealing with health issues or have recently been released from prison.

The project is a partnership between Swansea Council and social housing landlord Codi, formerly known as Pobl. Codi has owned the building since 2003 and had been using it as student accommodation until recently.

The council says the new development will help reduce its heavy reliance on bed and breakfast rooms, which has surged since the pandemic and been made worse by the cost‑of‑living crisis and a shortage of affordable housing across the city.

Grant funding from the Welsh Government has enabled the conversion to go ahead.

Cllr Andrea Williams, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Service Transformation, said:

“I’m very impressed with the renovation and the hard work everyone has done to get us to this stage. I also want to thank Welsh Government for providing funding for this development. Without them, this would not have been possible.

“We have a growing number of residents in Swansea who are very much in need of this type of temporary accommodation, where they can get the support they need, along with the reassurance of a safe place to live.

“This will be where many of the tenants can work towards getting themselves in a better and more positive place, preparing for a move into more permanent accommodation and improving their lives.”

Andrew Vye, Executive Director – Customer and Community at Codi, said:

“We have an excellent relationship with Swansea Council, working closely in partnership on key projects right across the city, and are pleased to be able to assist their efforts to the supply of homes for homeless people.

“Housing is at the heart of everything. The security a suitable environment provides can allow those who have experienced homelessness to get back on their feet.

“Homelessness continues to be a challenge across Wales and can impact anyone. We are committed to working in partnership with local authorities to offer solutions.”

The council has opened several new schemes in recent years to ease pressure on emergency accommodation, including 24 units at Ty Tom Jones in partnership with Codi, four temporary pods at Bryn House in Uplands, and family flats in Penlan.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea student block could become homeless accommodation under new plans
A major city centre building could be repurposed to help meet rising demand for temporary housing.

Homeless Swansea artist finds his spark thanks to Business Wales
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Animal charity teams up with accommodation provider to support homeless dog owners
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Kind‑hearted local fashion lecturer knits 365 hats for Swansea’s homeless
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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
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Swansea’s half‑finished Copr Bay car park finally shows progress as scaffolding comes down

The long‑delayed multi‑storey, sitting directly opposite Swansea Arena, is at last showing visible signs of progress after months of frustration. The project was thrown into chaos when the original contractor went into administration, leaving the council with a part‑completed shell and a tangle of legal and contractual hurdles to clear before work could restart.

Scaffolding starts to fall after months of delays

Workers from Andrew Scott Ltd, the Swansea‑based firm brought in to rescue the scheme, remain on site carrying out remedial and finishing works. The council says the car park is now on track for completion by early summer, with all remaining work being delivered at no extra cost to taxpayers.

Council Leader Rob Stewart said seeing the scaffolding come down marked a turning point in one of the most difficult chapters of the Copr Bay development.

Cllr Rob Stewart said:

“It’s been hugely frustrating that we were left with a half‑finished structure when the previous contractor failed. Despite the setbacks, we’ve kept the project moving and are on track to complete the work by the early summer.”

A project stalled by a contractor collapse

The car park was originally being built by Buckingham Group before the company went into administration, halting progress overnight. The collapse left Swansea Council with a half‑finished structure and months of legal and contractual work before a new contractor could be appointed.

Andrew Scott Ltd took over the site in 2024, tasked with completing the remedial work, fire protection, weather‑proofing and external finishes left incomplete by the previous contractor.

Retail units on Cupid Way back on the market

Below the car park, the retail units on Cupid Way — the new pedestrian link between the arena bridge and the city centre — are now being remarketed. Businesses originally lined up for the units are being contacted again to see if they still want to take space, with the council anticipating that some could move in as early as the spring.

A key piece of the Copr Bay district

The car park is one of the final unfinished elements of Copr Bay Phase One, which includes the arena, the yellow bridge over Oystermouth Road, Amy Dillwyn Park and new apartments and commercial units.

Once the new car park opens, the ageing St David’s multi‑storey is expected to be demolished as part of the wider regeneration of the area.

Cllr Stewart said completing the structure would help bring “more activity and life” to the district and support local businesses as the area continues to grow.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Council says incomplete Copr Bay car park to open by end of year
Earlier assurances from the council that the unfinished structure would still open on schedule.

Council appoints new Copr Bay contractor
Andrew Scott Ltd confirmed as the firm brought in to rescue the stalled project.

Council holding talks with new contractors after Buckingham goes into administration
The scramble to find a replacement builder after the original contractor collapsed.

Construction company behind Swansea’s new arena goes into administration
Buckingham Group’s collapse sent shockwaves through major UK projects, including Copr Bay.

Key workers start to move into Swansea’s affordable Copr Bay apartments
Progress elsewhere in the district as new residents moved into the development’s housing.

Swansea escapes Storm Goretti snow – but Wales still hit by thundersnow, travel chaos and power cuts

While South West Wales’ main urban centres saw rain instead of the heavy snow forecast, conditions elsewhere deteriorated sharply, with parts of Pembrokeshire even experiencing rare thundersnow as schools shut, rail lines suspended, mountain roads closed and hundreds of homes left without power.

Mountain routes shut as blizzards hit higher ground

The Bwlch mountain road (A4107) was closed at 7pm on Thursday after conditions became unsafe. The joint decision by Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taf councils followed reports of drifting snow and falling temperatures. The route reopened shortly after 8am today.

Pembrokeshire saw some of the worst conditions, with heavy snow, sleet and strong winds creating hazardous driving on higher ground. The B4329 between Haverfordwest and Cardigan, which crosses the Preseli Hills, remained closed for long periods as blizzards hit the route.

Issues were also reported on the B4313 between Fishguard and Narberth, where drifting snow made conditions treacherous across the northern foothills.

Further south, the A478 from Clunderwen to Cardigan saw significant snow in places, with drivers warned to avoid higher ground as accumulations built up.

Council teams worked through the night to clear fallen trees, deal with surface water flooding and keep primary routes open.

Thundersnow caught on camera in Pembrokeshire

A dramatic burst of thundersnow was captured in Pembrokeshire overnight, with lightning illuminating heavy snowfall as Storm Goretti swept across the county.

Local resident Harvey Harbour filmed the moment and shared it on X, showing bright flashes lighting up the sky as snow fell across the area.

You can watch the video here:

Thundersnow!⚡❄️
Pembrokeshire
Never experienced anything like this…😰#uksnow #walesnow
#thundersnow #lightning#pembrokeshire #snow pic.twitter.com/OXONFBBzFM

— Harvey Harber (@HarberHarv7128) January 8, 2026

What is thundersnow?

Thundersnow is a rare weather phenomenon where a thunderstorm produces snow instead of rain.

It happens when a strong, unstable weather system forms above very cold air at ground level. The storm still generates lightning and thunder, but the precipitation falls as snow.

The lightning often appears brighter because it reflects off the snowflakes, while the thunder sounds quieter because the snow absorbs the sound.

Thundersnow can bring sudden heavy downpours of snow, reduced visibility and rapidly worsening road conditions.

Rail disruption continues across Wales

Transport for Wales services remain heavily affected, with suspensions and reduced timetables on several lines following snow, ice and fallen trees.

Routes impacted include:

• Craven Arms to Swansea (Heart of Wales Line)
• West of Carmarthen
• Maesteg to Ebbw
• Wrexham to Bidston
• Llandudno Junction to Blaenau Ffestiniog

CrossCountry services between Cardiff and Birmingham are not running, and passengers are being urged to check before travelling.

Your earlier Swansea Bay News reporting highlighted “do not travel” warnings issued yesterday as rail operators shut lines ahead of the storm.

Schools shut and power cuts reported

Across Wales, at least 150 schools are closed today, with Powys, Blaenau Gwent and Wrexham among the worst affected.

Around 600 homes were without power this morning, with further outages reported in north and mid Wales. Pembrokeshire also saw power cuts around Clunderwen and Bridell, alongside burst water mains in Haverfordwest.

Emergency services across Ceredigion and Powys reported “numerous incidents” overnight, with police urging people to avoid all but essential travel.

Swansea spared – but warnings remain in force

Despite fears of thundersnow and blizzard conditions reaching Swansea Bay, the city avoided the worst of the storm, with rain and sleet falling instead of snow.

However, Amber and Yellow warnings for snow, rain and wind remain in place across much of Wales, and forecasters say conditions may continue to change through the day.

Bridgend Council said all routes in the county borough remain open after crews dealt with fallen trees and blocked drains overnight.

What happens next

The Met Office says Storm Goretti remains a “multi‑hazard event”, with snow, strong winds and heavy rain still expected to bring disruption in parts of Wales.

Gusts of up to 70mph are forecast along the south coast, while higher ground in mid and north Wales may see further snow and ice as temperatures fluctuate.

Swansea Bay News will continue to update readers as the situation develops.

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Storm Goretti: ‘Do not travel’ warning as rail lines shut and Wales braces for blizzard conditions
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Swansea’s blue bag plastics trial extended – 70 tonnes collected so far

Around 20,000 households across the city have been stuffing crisp packets, bread bags and biscuit wrappers into special blue bags for kerbside pick‑up. The trial, launched in spring, was designed to see if residents would embrace recycling the trickiest plastics that usually end up in black bags.

They did. Within weeks, Swansea Bay News reported more than five tonnes had already been collected. Now the total has soared past 70 tonnes, with the material recycled into new products like bags for life and bin liners.

“A great success story”

Cabinet Member Cyril Anderson said:

“The trial so far has been a really great success story. Residents have got on board with it and have quickly seen the value in using the recycling service and reducing the amount of household waste they put in the black bag. Our plan is to continue the trial into the new year and give residents in the trial areas the opportunity to use the blue bags until June.”

Where it runs

The scheme covers a mix of areas across Swansea – from Blaenymaes, Fforestfach and Penlan to Clydach, Hafod and Townhill – chosen to test how different housing types use the service. Residents outside the trial can still recycle soft plastics at supermarket collection points.

What goes in the bag

Accepted items include crisp packets, bread bags, cereal liners, pet food bags, magazine wrapping and multipack rings. Residents are asked to rinse items and tie bags securely with a double knot.

Items such as cling film, polystyrene, cleaning product pouches and blister packs are not accepted and should go in black bags.

What’s next

The Welsh Government is collating data from Swansea’s trial to help decide how similar schemes could be rolled out across other towns and cities. For now, Swansea households in the pilot areas can keep filling their blue bags until 30 June 2026.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Council to trial soft plastic kerbside recycling scheme in Swansea
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Swansea residents embrace new soft plastics recycling trial with over five tonnes already collected
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Plans revealed to change kerbside recycling in Swansea
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