home.social

#thestrand — Public Fediverse posts

Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #thestrand, aggregated by home.social.

  1. The problem with foreseeing the future is that you're doing it based on your own experience. It's the classic (as explained by Rumsfeld, paraphrased and adapted) dilemma: things fall into categories. THINGS YOU KNOW, THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW. THINGS YOU KNOW YOU DON'T KNOW, THINGS YOU DON'T KNOW YOU DON'T KNOW.

    (This may be the truest thing he said.)

    In any case, watched the attached youtube -clip:
    youtube.com/shorts/fYhhixwXGoU

    ½

    #scifi #spefi #future #fashion #thestrand #rosieharte #history

  2. 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.
    Map from Swansea City Centre Placemaking Plan showing five distinct regeneration zones: Upper High Street, City North, Tawe Waterfront, Core Area and City Waterfront. (Image: Swansea Council)

    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.

    #CivicCentre #Dyfatty #featured #HighStreet #homepage #planning #StHelensRoad #Swansea #SwanseaCityCentre #SwanseaCityCentrePlacemakingPlan #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaHighStreetStation #SwanseaMarket #SwanseaRailwayStation #SwanseaTrainStation #TheStrand #TransportHub
  3. Met warns against supporting proscribed groups ahead of #London #protests

    Officers to monitor chants and conduct at #PalestineCoalition and counter-protests in Westminster

    Joe Hadden
    Friday 18 July 2025

    "The Metropolitan Police has warned that anyone showing support for proscribed organisations during planned protests in London this weekend could face arrest under #terrorism laws.

    "An increased police presence is expected in Westminster on Saturday when a number of demonstrations are due to take place, including a large-scale march by the Palestine Coalition and a static counter-protest by Stop the Hate.

    "The Met said it also anticipates further protest activity in support of the recently proscribed group #PalestineAction, which is now banned under the #TerrorismAct.

    "Seventy people were arrested at similar demonstrations in #ParliamentSquare over the past two weekends, and the location of any action this Saturday is yet to be confirmed.

    "Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who is leading the policing operation, said officers are experienced in managing events of this nature but warned that those who use the protests as an opportunity to express support for proscribed groups risk serious legal consequences.

    " 'This Saturday’s Palestine Coalition protest is the first large-scale event of its kind since the proscription of Palestine Action and I want to make sure the implications of that change in the law are fully understood,' he said.

    " 'Nobody will be committing an offence by simply supporting the Palestinian cause, taking part in the march or carrying flags, banners or other signs providing they don’t stray into hate speech or other offences.

    " 'However, those who see this as an opportunity to test the limits of the law by expressing support for Palestine Action, whether at a standalone protest or as part of the Palestine Coalition protest, will likely be committing an offence and will very likely be arrested.'

    "He added: 'I would urge those people to consider the seriousness of being arrested under the Terrorism Act and the very real long-term implications – from travel, to employment, to finances – that such an arrest is likely to have for their future.'

    "Mr Adelekan also said the force is continuing to investigate '#OffensiveChanting' that took place at #GlastonburyFestival and has been repeated at recent protests in London.

    "He said officers would assess chants at Saturday’s protest 'based on the specific circumstances' – noting that words shouted generally during the march may not constitute an offence, but could do so if directed at individuals in a way likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

    " 'At previous protests, the area between the main march and any counter protest has seen the most heated exchanges. Officers will be particularly alert to conduct, including chanting, in this area and will be working with stewards to ensure crowds keep moving past this point,' he said.

    " 'Where they become aware of behaviour that crosses the line from protest into criminality they will intervene and take appropriate action.'

    "He said the best way for protesters to stay within the law is to avoid 'threatening, abusive and insulting language' or any support for banned groups. [!!!]

    "The Palestine Coalition march will begin at #VictoriaEmbankment and proceed via #WestminsterBridge, #YorkRoad, #WaterlooBridge, #TheStrand, and #Whitehall, where speeches will be held."

    Source:
    independent.co.uk/news/uk/home

    #CriminalizingProtest #CriminalizingDissent #FreePalestine #GazaGenocide #IsraeliWarCrimes #BibiIsAWarCriminal #UKProtestLaws #AntiProtestLaws #UKPol #EnglandPol #WorldPol

  4. Met warns against supporting proscribed groups ahead of #London #protests

    Officers to monitor chants and conduct at #PalestineCoalition and counter-protests in Westminster

    Joe Hadden
    Friday 18 July 2025

    "The Metropolitan Police has warned that anyone showing support for proscribed organisations during planned protests in London this weekend could face arrest under #terrorism laws.

    "An increased police presence is expected in Westminster on Saturday when a number of demonstrations are due to take place, including a large-scale march by the Palestine Coalition and a static counter-protest by Stop the Hate.

    "The Met said it also anticipates further protest activity in support of the recently proscribed group #PalestineAction, which is now banned under the #TerrorismAct.

    "Seventy people were arrested at similar demonstrations in #ParliamentSquare over the past two weekends, and the location of any action this Saturday is yet to be confirmed.

    "Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who is leading the policing operation, said officers are experienced in managing events of this nature but warned that those who use the protests as an opportunity to express support for proscribed groups risk serious legal consequences.

    " 'This Saturday’s Palestine Coalition protest is the first large-scale event of its kind since the proscription of Palestine Action and I want to make sure the implications of that change in the law are fully understood,' he said.

    " 'Nobody will be committing an offence by simply supporting the Palestinian cause, taking part in the march or carrying flags, banners or other signs providing they don’t stray into hate speech or other offences.

    " 'However, those who see this as an opportunity to test the limits of the law by expressing support for Palestine Action, whether at a standalone protest or as part of the Palestine Coalition protest, will likely be committing an offence and will very likely be arrested.'

    "He added: 'I would urge those people to consider the seriousness of being arrested under the Terrorism Act and the very real long-term implications – from travel, to employment, to finances – that such an arrest is likely to have for their future.'

    "Mr Adelekan also said the force is continuing to investigate '#OffensiveChanting' that took place at #GlastonburyFestival and has been repeated at recent protests in London.

    "He said officers would assess chants at Saturday’s protest 'based on the specific circumstances' – noting that words shouted generally during the march may not constitute an offence, but could do so if directed at individuals in a way likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

    " 'At previous protests, the area between the main march and any counter protest has seen the most heated exchanges. Officers will be particularly alert to conduct, including chanting, in this area and will be working with stewards to ensure crowds keep moving past this point,' he said.

    " 'Where they become aware of behaviour that crosses the line from protest into criminality they will intervene and take appropriate action.'

    "He said the best way for protesters to stay within the law is to avoid 'threatening, abusive and insulting language' or any support for banned groups. [!!!]

    "The Palestine Coalition march will begin at #VictoriaEmbankment and proceed via #WestminsterBridge, #YorkRoad, #WaterlooBridge, #TheStrand, and #Whitehall, where speeches will be held."

    Source:
    independent.co.uk/news/uk/home

    #CriminalizingProtest #CriminalizingDissent #FreePalestine #GazaGenocide #IsraeliWarCrimes #BibiIsAWarCriminal #UKProtestLaws #AntiProtestLaws #UKPol #EnglandPol #WorldPol

  5. Met warns against supporting proscribed groups ahead of #London #protests

    Officers to monitor chants and conduct at #PalestineCoalition and counter-protests in Westminster

    Joe Hadden
    Friday 18 July 2025

    "The Metropolitan Police has warned that anyone showing support for proscribed organisations during planned protests in London this weekend could face arrest under #terrorism laws.

    "An increased police presence is expected in Westminster on Saturday when a number of demonstrations are due to take place, including a large-scale march by the Palestine Coalition and a static counter-protest by Stop the Hate.

    "The Met said it also anticipates further protest activity in support of the recently proscribed group #PalestineAction, which is now banned under the #TerrorismAct.

    "Seventy people were arrested at similar demonstrations in #ParliamentSquare over the past two weekends, and the location of any action this Saturday is yet to be confirmed.

    "Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who is leading the policing operation, said officers are experienced in managing events of this nature but warned that those who use the protests as an opportunity to express support for proscribed groups risk serious legal consequences.

    " 'This Saturday’s Palestine Coalition protest is the first large-scale event of its kind since the proscription of Palestine Action and I want to make sure the implications of that change in the law are fully understood,' he said.

    " 'Nobody will be committing an offence by simply supporting the Palestinian cause, taking part in the march or carrying flags, banners or other signs providing they don’t stray into hate speech or other offences.

    " 'However, those who see this as an opportunity to test the limits of the law by expressing support for Palestine Action, whether at a standalone protest or as part of the Palestine Coalition protest, will likely be committing an offence and will very likely be arrested.'

    "He added: 'I would urge those people to consider the seriousness of being arrested under the Terrorism Act and the very real long-term implications – from travel, to employment, to finances – that such an arrest is likely to have for their future.'

    "Mr Adelekan also said the force is continuing to investigate '#OffensiveChanting' that took place at #GlastonburyFestival and has been repeated at recent protests in London.

    "He said officers would assess chants at Saturday’s protest 'based on the specific circumstances' – noting that words shouted generally during the march may not constitute an offence, but could do so if directed at individuals in a way likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

    " 'At previous protests, the area between the main march and any counter protest has seen the most heated exchanges. Officers will be particularly alert to conduct, including chanting, in this area and will be working with stewards to ensure crowds keep moving past this point,' he said.

    " 'Where they become aware of behaviour that crosses the line from protest into criminality they will intervene and take appropriate action.'

    "He said the best way for protesters to stay within the law is to avoid 'threatening, abusive and insulting language' or any support for banned groups. [!!!]

    "The Palestine Coalition march will begin at #VictoriaEmbankment and proceed via #WestminsterBridge, #YorkRoad, #WaterlooBridge, #TheStrand, and #Whitehall, where speeches will be held."

    Source:
    independent.co.uk/news/uk/home

    #CriminalizingProtest #CriminalizingDissent #FreePalestine #GazaGenocide #IsraeliWarCrimes #BibiIsAWarCriminal #UKProtestLaws #AntiProtestLaws #UKPol #EnglandPol #WorldPol

  6. Met warns against supporting proscribed groups ahead of #London #protests

    Officers to monitor chants and conduct at #PalestineCoalition and counter-protests in Westminster

    Joe Hadden
    Friday 18 July 2025

    "The Metropolitan Police has warned that anyone showing support for proscribed organisations during planned protests in London this weekend could face arrest under #terrorism laws.

    "An increased police presence is expected in Westminster on Saturday when a number of demonstrations are due to take place, including a large-scale march by the Palestine Coalition and a static counter-protest by Stop the Hate.

    "The Met said it also anticipates further protest activity in support of the recently proscribed group #PalestineAction, which is now banned under the #TerrorismAct.

    "Seventy people were arrested at similar demonstrations in #ParliamentSquare over the past two weekends, and the location of any action this Saturday is yet to be confirmed.

    "Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who is leading the policing operation, said officers are experienced in managing events of this nature but warned that those who use the protests as an opportunity to express support for proscribed groups risk serious legal consequences.

    " 'This Saturday’s Palestine Coalition protest is the first large-scale event of its kind since the proscription of Palestine Action and I want to make sure the implications of that change in the law are fully understood,' he said.

    " 'Nobody will be committing an offence by simply supporting the Palestinian cause, taking part in the march or carrying flags, banners or other signs providing they don’t stray into hate speech or other offences.

    " 'However, those who see this as an opportunity to test the limits of the law by expressing support for Palestine Action, whether at a standalone protest or as part of the Palestine Coalition protest, will likely be committing an offence and will very likely be arrested.'

    "He added: 'I would urge those people to consider the seriousness of being arrested under the Terrorism Act and the very real long-term implications – from travel, to employment, to finances – that such an arrest is likely to have for their future.'

    "Mr Adelekan also said the force is continuing to investigate '#OffensiveChanting' that took place at #GlastonburyFestival and has been repeated at recent protests in London.

    "He said officers would assess chants at Saturday’s protest 'based on the specific circumstances' – noting that words shouted generally during the march may not constitute an offence, but could do so if directed at individuals in a way likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

    " 'At previous protests, the area between the main march and any counter protest has seen the most heated exchanges. Officers will be particularly alert to conduct, including chanting, in this area and will be working with stewards to ensure crowds keep moving past this point,' he said.

    " 'Where they become aware of behaviour that crosses the line from protest into criminality they will intervene and take appropriate action.'

    "He said the best way for protesters to stay within the law is to avoid 'threatening, abusive and insulting language' or any support for banned groups. [!!!]

    "The Palestine Coalition march will begin at #VictoriaEmbankment and proceed via #WestminsterBridge, #YorkRoad, #WaterlooBridge, #TheStrand, and #Whitehall, where speeches will be held."

    Source:
    independent.co.uk/news/uk/home

    #CriminalizingProtest #CriminalizingDissent #FreePalestine #GazaGenocide #IsraeliWarCrimes #BibiIsAWarCriminal #UKProtestLaws #AntiProtestLaws #UKPol #EnglandPol #WorldPol

  7. Met warns against supporting proscribed groups ahead of #London #protests

    Officers to monitor chants and conduct at #PalestineCoalition and counter-protests in Westminster

    Joe Hadden
    Friday 18 July 2025

    "The Metropolitan Police has warned that anyone showing support for proscribed organisations during planned protests in London this weekend could face arrest under #terrorism laws.

    "An increased police presence is expected in Westminster on Saturday when a number of demonstrations are due to take place, including a large-scale march by the Palestine Coalition and a static counter-protest by Stop the Hate.

    "The Met said it also anticipates further protest activity in support of the recently proscribed group #PalestineAction, which is now banned under the #TerrorismAct.

    "Seventy people were arrested at similar demonstrations in #ParliamentSquare over the past two weekends, and the location of any action this Saturday is yet to be confirmed.

    "Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who is leading the policing operation, said officers are experienced in managing events of this nature but warned that those who use the protests as an opportunity to express support for proscribed groups risk serious legal consequences.

    " 'This Saturday’s Palestine Coalition protest is the first large-scale event of its kind since the proscription of Palestine Action and I want to make sure the implications of that change in the law are fully understood,' he said.

    " 'Nobody will be committing an offence by simply supporting the Palestinian cause, taking part in the march or carrying flags, banners or other signs providing they don’t stray into hate speech or other offences.

    " 'However, those who see this as an opportunity to test the limits of the law by expressing support for Palestine Action, whether at a standalone protest or as part of the Palestine Coalition protest, will likely be committing an offence and will very likely be arrested.'

    "He added: 'I would urge those people to consider the seriousness of being arrested under the Terrorism Act and the very real long-term implications – from travel, to employment, to finances – that such an arrest is likely to have for their future.'

    "Mr Adelekan also said the force is continuing to investigate '#OffensiveChanting' that took place at #GlastonburyFestival and has been repeated at recent protests in London.

    "He said officers would assess chants at Saturday’s protest 'based on the specific circumstances' – noting that words shouted generally during the march may not constitute an offence, but could do so if directed at individuals in a way likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

    " 'At previous protests, the area between the main march and any counter protest has seen the most heated exchanges. Officers will be particularly alert to conduct, including chanting, in this area and will be working with stewards to ensure crowds keep moving past this point,' he said.

    " 'Where they become aware of behaviour that crosses the line from protest into criminality they will intervene and take appropriate action.'

    "He said the best way for protesters to stay within the law is to avoid 'threatening, abusive and insulting language' or any support for banned groups. [!!!]

    "The Palestine Coalition march will begin at #VictoriaEmbankment and proceed via #WestminsterBridge, #YorkRoad, #WaterlooBridge, #TheStrand, and #Whitehall, where speeches will be held."

    Source:
    independent.co.uk/news/uk/home

    #CriminalizingProtest #CriminalizingDissent #FreePalestine #GazaGenocide #IsraeliWarCrimes #BibiIsAWarCriminal #UKProtestLaws #AntiProtestLaws #UKPol #EnglandPol #WorldPol