#swanseamarket — Public Fediverse posts

SWANSEA: First look at the new Swansea Market entrance as makeover works progress on Union Street

Swansea Market’s long-awaited makeover is now visible to anyone walking past on Union Street, with the market’s new entrance design emerging from behind the hoardings.

The market confirmed on Tuesday that the Union Street entrance has been partially reopened while lower-level works continue — meaning shoppers can once again access the market from that side as the transformation progresses.

The new design features a bold geometric canopy in orange and brown tones, a striking new bilingual fascia reading “Marchnad Abertawe / Swansea Market”, and illuminated signage with a distinctive fan-shaped logo — a far cry from the tired exterior that had greeted shoppers for years.

The reaction from inside the market has been positive. Storm In A Teacup Coffee House, one of the market’s well-known traders, said simply: “Looks great.” Fellow trader Rachel Jones added: “I’m sure our customers will see the difference.”

The design was chosen by the public in a vote held last year, after Swansea Council launched a consultation giving shoppers a say in what the new entrances should look like. Hundreds of people took part, with the geometric stained-glass-inspired canopy proving the overwhelming favourite from a shortlist of three options developed with Wales-based consultants Tangent Partnership.

Council cabinet member and joint deputy leader David Hopkins said at the time that the new entrances would make the market “smarter, more visible and vibrant” and help attract customers. He also said the work would improve security and help deter anti-social behaviour.

Work is continuing on the market’s other entrances on Oxford Street and Whitewalls, with the same design set to be applied across all three entry points once the full programme of works is complete.

The entrance revamp is the latest in a sustained programme of investment in the market over recent years. In recent years the council has invested in new public toilets at the award-winning market and introduced the Market Garden, a popular spot to eat, meet and enjoy events. Wikipedia

The Market Garden was created following a public consultation and opened in late 2021 as a new space at the heart of the venue where shoppers could eat, meet friends and enjoy themselves. It quickly became one of the market’s most popular features.

The investment in the market’s facilities has helped cement its reputation as one of the best in Britain. Swansea Market was judged Britain’s Best Large Indoor Market in 2024 by the National Association of British Market Authorities — the third time it had won the title, following previous victories in 2015 and 2020. It has also been ranked in the top two in the UK.

Wayne Holmes, chair of the Swansea Market Traders Federation, said when the award was announced: “It’s great that the market has won this award. Recognition like this helps make all the hard work of our traders feel really worthwhile.”

The entrance works also form part of the wider Future Swansea vision for the city centre, which sets out plans to make Swansea Market a destination in its own right — with better links to the Quadrant and surrounding streets forming part of a decade-long regeneration strategy.

That wider plan, which is expected to be adopted as council policy later in 2026, also includes a new transport hub, a potential cultural quarter and improvements to the Oxford Street arcades — all designed to drive footfall into the city centre.

The market sits at the heart of what the council calls the Core — the retail, leisure and nightlife centre of the city — and the entrance revamp is seen as a key part of making it more welcoming and visible from the surrounding streets.

Works at Union Street are ongoing, and shoppers have been thanked for their patience. The market remains fully open throughout the works, with business continuing as usual inside.

More on Swansea Market

Market entrances to get new look after public vote
How shoppers chose the winning design for the new-look entrances.

Swansea Market named one of Britain’s favourites
The market’s third national award win — and what the judges said.

Market shoppers enjoy taste of the market’s new attraction
When the Market Garden first opened its doors to visitors.

Swansea’s future mapped out: transport hub, market revamp and cultural quarter
The bigger picture — how the market fits into Swansea’s decade-long regeneration plan.

Swansea’s future mapped out: new transport hub, market revamp and cultural quarter in draft city centre plan

Swansea could be about to undergo its biggest city centre shake‑up in a decade — with a new transport hub, a revamped market, and even a cultural quarter all on the table.

The draft Swansea City Centre Placemaking Plan, presented to councillors this week, sets out how the city centre and waterfront could be transformed over the next 8–10 years. It replaces the 2016 regeneration framework and covers everything from the Civic Centre site to the top of High Street.

A city carved into five zones

The plan doesn’t treat the city centre as one lump of concrete and shops — instead, it breaks it down into five distinct “Action Areas,” each with its own character and proposals:

• The Core: The beating heart of Swansea, where retail, leisure and nightlife collide. Here the council wants to reinforce a thriving shopping district, breathe new life into the Oxford Street arcades, and make Swansea Market a destination in its own right.
• City Waterfront: Stretching from the Marina to the Civic Centre, this is about reconnecting Swansea to its seafront. Expect talk of new public squares, leisure attractions, and even an aquarium as part of the Civic Centre redevelopment.
• Tawe Waterfront: Across the river, the old St Thomas railway station site is earmarked for housing, commercial space and community facilities — a new neighbourhood rising from the tracks.
• City North: St Helen’s Road and its surroundings are seen as a gateway, with plans to improve connections and make the area more welcoming for residents and visitors.
• Upper High Street/Dyfatty: The northern gateway, where the High Street station plaza could be transformed into a proper arrival point, linking seamlessly to a proposed transport hub at The Strand.

The big ideas

At the centre of the plan is a new transport hub on The Strand, just a stone’s throw from the railway station and facing the River Tawe. Councillors were told this could become the city’s main interchange, making it easier to move between trains, buses, and active travel routes.

Other “indicative concept” schemes include:

• A facelift for Swansea Market, with better links to the Quadrant and surrounding streets.
• Revitalised shopping arcades off Oxford Street.
• Greener, safer public spaces with more trees, street furniture and public art.
• A potential Cultural Quarter, celebrating Swansea’s identity and drawing visitors in with events, galleries and creative spaces.

Related coverage: Strand arches proposals

New images show how Swansea’s Strand arches could be transformed
Council proposals to revitalise the historic arches as part of wider regeneration, reconnecting the city centre with the River Tawe and creating new public spaces.

Councillors weigh in

At the scrutiny meeting, Cllr Michael Locke pressed for updates on the Civic Centre site, while regeneration team leader Gail Evans confirmed initial designs were ready and a report could follow in the new year.

Cllr Will Thomas praised the new central hub Y Storfa, which opened recently on Oxford Street, and asked if more city centre buildings could be repurposed for education and sport to drive footfall. Panel convenor Cllr Chris Holley warned that commercial viability remains a challenge, with many schemes needing public sector “gap funding” to stack up. He called for a workshop for all elected members, describing the plan as covering “a huge area.”

Council leader Rob Stewart said Swansea was “a different city” compared to 2016 and that it was time to refresh the plan.

What happens next

The draft placemaking plan will go before Cabinet in February 2026, followed by public engagement in March. Adoption as council policy is expected later in 2026, setting the stage for a decade of regeneration.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

All the exciting plans for Swansea in 2025
Castle Square, Y Storfa and other major schemes set to reshape the city centre this year.

Business leader says regeneration shows Swansea is serious about growth
BID chair praises council’s £1bn investment strategy and placemaking ambitions.

Council-backed scheme creates new business opportunities
Funding programme sparks new openings and refurbishments across the city centre.

The future of retail in Swansea
What big brands, local leaders and industry experts say about the city’s retail revival.

More Swansea city centre regeneration news
Catch up on the latest updates and projects transforming the city centre.

Swansea launches annual Poppy Appeal with city market ceremony

Launch at Swansea Market

The launch took place at Swansea Market, chosen as the venue to bring the appeal into the heart of the city. The event was attended by the Lord Mayor of Swansea, Cllr Cheryl Philpott, Council Leader Cllr Rob Stewart, Cllr Wendy Lewis, the council’s Armed Forces Champion, and representatives from the Royal British Legion.

The Poppy Appeal is the Legion’s UK‑wide campaign to raise funds for veterans and their families. This year’s appeal carries added poignancy as it coincides with the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day.

“Wear your poppy with pride”

Cllr Philpott said the appeal was a vital opportunity to honour those who had given their lives for freedom:

“So many local people have made the ultimate sacrifice over the years. This year is the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day and the generation which gave us everything and is gradually passing on, deserve our respect and remembrance. I would encourage everyone to give what they can to the appeal and wear their poppy with pride.”

Council Leader Cllr Rob Stewart added:

“Our veterans need our support and the Royal British Legion does brilliant work for them and for serving members of the armed forces. We should all give what we can in this year’s Poppy Appeal.”

Community remembrance events

A series of remembrance events will take place across Swansea in the coming weeks, including:

• 25 October – Cross of Peace ceremony at Dan Y Graig Cemetery
• 2 November – Garden of Peace opens outside Morgan’s Hotel
• 8 November – Festival of Remembrance at Brangwyn Hall
• 9 November – Remembrance Sunday: Cenotaph service, city centre parade and Service at Swansea Minster
• 11 November – Poppies to Paddington event at Swansea Railway Station
• 11 November – Armistice Day commemorations at the Cenotaph and National Two Minute Silence
• 11 November – Guildhall illuminated red for Armistice Day

“A symbol of sacrifice”

Phillip Flower, Chairman of the Royal British Legion in Swansea, said the poppy remained a powerful emblem:

“The poppy has been the emblem and a rallying‑point for Royal British Legion fundraising for well over a century. It is a reminder of the poppies of Flanders, where so many gave their lives during World War I.”

Poppies will be available at council venues across the city, including libraries, the Guildhall and the Civic Centre.

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