#transformingtowns — Public Fediverse posts

FLATS FUNDING BOOST: Welsh Government to pour millions into city centre flats plan at McDonald’s site and Kingsway block

Swansea is in line for a major regeneration boost after the Welsh Government confirmed funding for two high-profile developments right in the heart of the city.

The cash forms part of a £12.6 million Wales-wide package – but a significant chunk is heading straight to Swansea, targeting long-standing empty upper floors and underused buildings.

At the centre of the plans is 1 Oxford Street – the busy McDonald’s site opposite Castle Square, where empty floors above could finally be brought back to life.

Up to £4.9 million in grant funding alongside a £1 million loan has been earmarked to help transform the building, with proposals already in place to create new flats above the fast-food restaurant.

It’s a site we’ve previously reported on, where plans have been drawn up to tackle one of the city centre’s most prominent unused spaces and turn it into much-needed housing.

Just a short walk away, another key Kingsway building is also in line for change.

Potters Wheel and apartments above at 85-86 Kingsway

Phase two of the Potters Wheel development – covering 85–86 Kingsway at the junction with Dillwyn Street and St Helen’s Road – will receive up to £750,000 in grant funding alongside a £1 million loan.

The project builds on earlier work at the site, where apartments were created above the ground floor pub and a striking green wall installed as part of efforts to bring more nature into the city centre.

Now, housing association Beacon Cymru is set to push ahead with further apartments on the upper floors – continuing the shift towards city centre living.

The Welsh Government says the funding is about more than bricks and mortar.

Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government Jayne Bryant said:

“This funding is not just about infrastructure—it is about creating real, tangible change for the people who live and work in these areas.

“By revitalising town centres, supporting local businesses, and improving public spaces, we are helping to build places where communities can thrive both socially and economically.”

She added:

“We know that strong, vibrant high streets are the backbone of wider economic growth across Wales.”

The announcement was made during a visit to the Biophilic Living project at Mowbray Yard in Swansea City Centre – a scheme already showcasing how greener design and housing can reshape urban spaces.

The latest investment is part of the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, which has already pumped nearly £500 million into regeneration projects across Wales since 2020.

But for Swansea, the focus is clear – bringing empty buildings back into use and creating more homes in the city centre.

For years, upper floors above shops and businesses have sat vacant, even as demand for housing continues to rise.

Now, with millions committed to two flagship sites, there’s fresh hope that parts of the city centre that have long been overlooked could finally see new life.

And with both developments targeting highly visible locations, the changes won’t go unnoticed.

For Swansea shoppers grabbing a meal on Oxford Street or passing through Kingsway, the skyline above them could soon look very different.

#1OxfordStreet #8586Kingsway #BeaconCymru #BiophilicLiving #CastleSquare #Kingsway #MowbrayYard #OxfordStreet #PottersWheel #Swansea #SwanseaCityCentre #SwanseaMcDonalds #TransformingTowns #WelshGovernment

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

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High-profile figure steps in to help restore a well-known Swansea site.

Work progresses on historic copperworks site
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Funding helps preserve a significant historic building in Llanelli.

#CllrDavidHopkins #DanbertHouse #Grade2Listed #GradeIIListed #heritage #MorfyddStreet #Morriston #SwanseaCouncil #tinplate #TransformingTowns

‘GAME CHANGER’: Council swoops to buy shopping centre amid fears over collapse risk

In a move being hailed as a potential “game changer”, Bridgend County Borough Council has bought the 2.27-acre site — raising hopes of major regeneration, new facilities and a fresh future for the heart of the town.

But the deal comes after serious concerns about the building’s condition, with dangerous RAAC concrete previously forcing the closure of the indoor market hall in 2023 — as reported in our earlier coverage.

From crisis to comeback?

For years, the future of the Rhiw has been hanging in the balance.

The discovery of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) left parts of the ageing complex facing costly repairs — and sparked fears the entire site could eventually shut or be sold off in pieces.

Now, council bosses say they’ve stepped in just in time.

Leader Cllr John Spanswick revealed the authority had been working “behind the scenes” to secure the deal — preventing the centre from being broken up or falling into further decline.

“This has the potential to be a game changer for the future of Bridgend town centre,” he said.

The entrance to The Rhiw Shopping Centre in Bridgend, which will remain open while regeneration plans are developed.
(Image: Bridgend County Borough Council)

What happens next?

Despite the dramatic takeover, shoppers won’t see immediate changes — with the Rhiw set to stay open while new plans are drawn up.

But behind the scenes, a major rethink is already underway.

The council says the site could eventually be transformed into a much broader destination, with the potential for a new market at its heart, alongside a mix of retail units, community facilities and modern public spaces. There is also the possibility of new accommodation being introduced, signalling a shift towards a more mixed-use town centre.

The scale of the opportunity is huge — and officials say it will require close collaboration with both public and private sector partners to turn those ambitions into reality.

Traders ‘will be supported’

Existing businesses have been told they won’t be left in the dark.

The council has pledged to consult traders on future plans and offer support throughout any redevelopment — a key concern given the uncertainty that has surrounded the site in recent years.

Cllr Neelo Farr said the purchase was an “invest to save” decision — warning the building was already nearing the end of its life.

“None of us are prepared to watch the structure fall into decline,” she said.

Bigger picture for Bridgend

The Rhiw deal is just one piece of a wider transformation taking place across Bridgend.

The town centre is already seeing significant investment, with major developments including a new Bridgend College campus at Cheapside, new housing and headquarters for Valleys to Coast in Dunraven Place, and a health and wellbeing centre preparing to open at Sunnyside.

Council leaders believe that bringing the Rhiw into public ownership — given its size and central location — could unlock even greater opportunities and help tie these projects together into a wider regeneration story.

Funded by public cash

The £5.37m purchase has been funded through a mix of sources, including £2.45 million from Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns fund, £1.8 million from the council’s revenue budget, and just over £1 million from its capital programme.

Welsh Government minister Jayne Bryant welcomed the move, saying it could deliver “long-lasting improvements” and help revitalise the town centre.

A long road ahead

While the headlines promise transformation, the reality is this is just the beginning.

The council now faces the challenge of dealing with structural issues, reshaping the site — and convincing the public that Bridgend town centre can bounce back.

But after years of uncertainty, one thing is clear:

The future of the Rhiw is no longer out of the council’s hands.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

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New seafront funfair planned for Porthcawl
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Millions pledged to revive Welsh town centres
Bridgend among the areas set to benefit from major funding aimed at boosting local high streets.

Ford site hailed as key to Bridgend’s AI future
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First steps agreed to improve town centre access
Plans aim to make Bridgend more accessible and attractive as regeneration gathers pace.

#Bridgend #BridgendCountyBoroughCouncil #BridgendIndoorMarket #Business #RAAC #ReinforcedAutoclavedAeratedConcrete #retail #RhiwShoppingCentre #TransformingTowns

Millions pledged to revive Welsh centres — Swansea, Port Talbot, Haverfordwest, Porthcawl and Bridgend among winners

Town and city centres across Wales are in line for a major facelift after the Welsh Government unveiled a £19.6m cash package. The funding, part of the Transforming Towns and Placemaking programmes, will target empty shops, tired public spaces and stalled developments — with South West Wales councils among the biggest winners.

Swansea’s Biophilic Living gets fresh cash

Swansea Council has secured more than £559,000 for the commercial and retail elements of the flagship Biophilic Living scheme, which promises 50 affordable homes alongside shops and offices in a nature‑inspired design.

A further £1.36m is earmarked for the Mowbray Yard redevelopment, creating a new green courtyard space in the heart of the city centre.

Port Talbot facelift for Aberafan Shopping Centre

In Port Talbot, up to £840,000 will fund a redesign of the public realm outside the southern entrance of the Aberafan Shopping Centre, aiming to boost footfall and modernise the tired frontage.

Haverfordwest Wilko site transformed

Pembrokeshire County Council will receive more than £1.27m to redevelop the former Wilko store in Haverfordwest, part of the Western Quayside regeneration. A smaller grant of £100,000 will also support works at 16‑18 Bridge Street.

Porthcawl seafront gets new events space

Bridgend Council has secured £600,000 to create a new events space on the Hillsboro South site in Porthcawl, a key part of the seafront regeneration plans.

Wyndham House overhaul for Bridgend town centre

Bridgend will also benefit from £1.78m to acquire and refurbish Wyndham House, with housing association Valleys to Coast planning to transform the building into its new HQ alongside apartments and commercial units.

Welsh Government hails “heart and soul” of communities

Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government Jayne Bryant said the funding would “breathe new life into our high streets, support local traders, and create the vibrant, welcoming spaces that our communities deserve.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

City Centre ‘Biophilic Swansea’ scheme ‘a first for the UK’
Landmark Biophilic Living project promises homes, shops and offices built around nature-inspired design.

New city centre courtyard to honour late council officer Huw Mowbray
Swansea Council begins work on Mowbray Yard, a green courtyard space due for completion in 2026.

Aberavon Shopping Centre regeneration coverage
Updates and stories on Port Talbot’s busiest retail hub, including plans for a public realm facelift.

Haverfordwest ‘Western Quayside’ project gets underway
Bold redevelopment of the former department store site aims to transform the riverside area.

Valleys to Coast unveils plans to transform Bridgend town centre building
Wyndham House set to become housing association HQ alongside apartments and commercial units.

#AberavonShoppingCentre #biophilicBuilding #Bridgend #CivicSquare #funding #Haverfordwest #HillsboroSouth #JayneBryantMS #MowbrayYard #PortTalbot #Porthcawl #Swansea #SwanseaCityCentre #TransformingTowns #WelshGovernment #WesternQuayside #Wilko #WyndhamHouse

Swansea’s former JT Morgan store reborn as creative hub

Studios bring new life to landmark building

An iconic Swansea city centre building that stood empty for nearly two decades is buzzing again, as dozens of artists and creative professionals move in.

The former JT Morgan department store on Belle Vue Way, vacant since 2008, has been transformed into 55 studios now fully occupied by painters, sculptors, writers, fashion designers and video editors.

The first phase of the regeneration, led by Elysium Gallery, also delivered a new roof fitted with solar panels, a lift and a modern power supply.

Backed by major funding

The project has been supported by Swansea Council through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, which helped fund internal works and roof improvements. Additional backing has come from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns scheme, the Arts Council of Wales, the Architectural Heritage Fund and a community shares initiative.

Council leader Rob Stewart said the scheme was part of a wider effort to preserve Swansea’s heritage while creating new opportunities.

“We’re delighted to be supporting Elysium with their ongoing work to breathe new life into the former JT Morgan building,” he said. “This regeneration project follows on from major schemes that have already transformed other historic city buildings including the Palace Theatre and the Albert Hall.”

History of the JT Morgan Department Store

Origins: JT Morgan was established in 1918 and grew into one of Swansea’s best‑known family‑run department stores. For a time it even operated as a “members‑only” warehouse before expanding into a full retail business.

Post‑war rebuild: The current four‑storey building on Belle Vue Way opened in January 1961, replacing terraced houses destroyed during the Swansea Blitz. Its striking post‑war design features white stone at ground level, red brick upper floors and copper‑framed windows.

Largest independent store: By the early 2000s, JT Morgan was regarded as Wales’ largest independent department store, employing around 60 staff and serving generations of Swansea shoppers.

Administration and closure: The business went into administration in early 2008 after poor trading. Although briefly rescued by its management team, the store finally closed later that year, leaving the building vacant for nearly two decades.

Unrealised move: JT Morgan had planned to relocate to the former David Evans store site in 2008, but the move never materialised. The intended unit is now occupied by Slaters Menswear and The Gym Group.

Public opening planned for 2026

Phase two of the project is now underway, focusing on the ground floor and basement. Once complete, the building will open to the public for the first time in almost 20 years.

Plans include a gallery, coffee shop, function suite, education centre and quiet room, along with a Changing Places facility to improve accessibility. The gallery is due to host its first exhibition in June next year, featuring acclaimed artist André Stitt.

Writer Brian Manton, Elysium Gallery co‑founder Daniel Staveley and fashion designer Jessica Honey on the staircase of the newly refurbished JT Morgan building in Swansea, now home to 55 creative studios.(Image: Swansea Council)

Creatives already collaborating

For those already working inside, the building is proving more than just a workspace.

Daniel Staveley, co‑founder and director of Elysium Gallery and Studios, said:

“It’s vitally important to bring unused buildings back into use. This building has an iconic status within Swansea so seeing it being brought back to life lifts people’s positivity. City centres need a mix of activities as well as offices and retail, which is where spaces like ours come in.”

Writer Brian Manton said the mix of disciplines was inspiring:

“It’s a great facility that brings a lot of people from different creative disciplines together, which leads to collaborating with each other. Having other creative people in the building definitely helps to keep me motivated.”

Fashion designer Jessica Honey added:

“The new facility is fantastic. Having other creatives in the same building makes it easy to find people if you are looking to collaborate. Facilities like these could lead to opportunities for creative professionals to grow their businesses and bring even more life to the city centre.”

Wider regeneration programme

Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government Jayne Bryant said the project showed how culture can drive regeneration.

“This is an impressive example of how creative regeneration can breathe new life into our towns and cities, while tackling the issue of empty buildings,” she said. “It’s inspiring to see artists, designers and writers shaping the future of Swansea while honouring its past.”

The JT Morgan project is part of a £1bn regeneration programme unfolding across Swansea, with Elysium continuing to operate its other studios on Mansel Street and College Street, and live music events at its High Street base.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Former department store to be transformed into arts hub thanks to £780k Welsh Government grant
How funding support is helping breathe new life into Swansea’s city centre.

British Art Show to visit Swansea for the first time in 2027
Prestigious touring exhibition will showcase contemporary art across five city venues.

#artStudio #ArtsCouncilWales #BelleVueWay #ElysiumGallery #fashionDesigner #heritage #JTMorganDepartmentStore #painter #sculptor #SharedProsperityFund #Swansea #TransformingTowns #videoEditor

Former department store to be transformed into arts hub thanks to £780k Welsh Government grant

The former JT Morgan department store in Swansea city centre has been vacant for more than 15 years and this renovation will transform it into a multi-purpose arts centre.

Elysium Art Limited, an artist led organisation, is delivering the project to support and promote the arts in Swansea and beyond.

The project will create a new cultural destination in Swansea city centre, helping to regenerate the area and attract more visitors.

Once renovated, the first and second floors will be used as lettable studio space for artists, with the ground floor being used for a gallery, meeting spaces and a café.

The basement refurbishment will provide additional studio space, storage and potentially a small cinema.

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Former JT Morgan Department store on Belle Vue Way in Swansea City CentreArtist’s impression of what the new gallery would look like
(Image: iCreate)Artist’s impression of what the new gallery’s café would look like
(Image: iCreate)

The Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, recently visited the building: “This investment perfectly aligns with our Programme for Government commitments to make our towns and cities better places to live and work, while tackling the issue of empty buildings.  

“By breathing new life into this disused space, we’re not only enhancing Swansea’s cultural offering but also creating opportunities for local artists and generating increased footfall that will benefit other businesses in the city centre.  

“Our Transforming Towns funding is about supporting communities to reimagine their urban spaces, and this project is an excellent example of how strategic investment can deliver multiple benefits.”  

Works are already underway and the first and second floors are expected to be completed by the summer.  

Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said: “It’s fantastic that we can work with developers, businesses and other organisations to invest Welsh Government Transforming Towns grant funding across our city.  

“The council-driven £1bn regeneration programme is powering ahead – and projects such as Elysium Art at the former JT Morgan and Y Storfa at the former BHS are great examples of that.  

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“Other notable advances coming soon include the transformation of Castle Square into a greener more welcoming public focal point and the opening of the groundbreaking Biophilic Living building between The Kingsway and Oxford Street.”  

The Cabinet Secretary also visited Y Storfa, the former BHS department store on Oxford Street, which is set to become a public services hub, providing access to council services and hosting a range of other services including the West Glamorgan Archive Service and external partners including Citizens’ Advice.  

The project has received more than £13m in both loan and grant funding from the Welsh Government.  

#Art #CllrRobStewart #ElysiumGallery #JayneBryantMS #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #TransformingTowns #WelshGovernment

Former department store to be transformed into arts hub thanks to £780k Welsh Government grant

The former JT Morgan department store in Swansea city centre has been vacant for more than 15 years and this renovation will transform it into a multi-purpose arts centre.

Elysium Art Limited, an artist led organisation, is delivering the project to support and promote the arts in Swansea and beyond.

The project will create a new cultural destination in Swansea city centre, helping to regenerate the area and attract more visitors.

Once renovated, the first and second floors will be used as lettable studio space for artists, with the ground floor being used for a gallery, meeting spaces and a café.

The basement refurbishment will provide additional studio space, storage and potentially a small cinema.

Advertisement

Former JT Morgan Department store on Belle Vue Way in Swansea City CentreArtist’s impression of what the new gallery would look like
(Image: iCreate)Artist’s impression of what the new gallery’s café would look like
(Image: iCreate)

The Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, recently visited the building: “This investment perfectly aligns with our Programme for Government commitments to make our towns and cities better places to live and work, while tackling the issue of empty buildings.  

“By breathing new life into this disused space, we’re not only enhancing Swansea’s cultural offering but also creating opportunities for local artists and generating increased footfall that will benefit other businesses in the city centre.  

“Our Transforming Towns funding is about supporting communities to reimagine their urban spaces, and this project is an excellent example of how strategic investment can deliver multiple benefits.”  

Works are already underway and the first and second floors are expected to be completed by the summer.  

Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said: “It’s fantastic that we can work with developers, businesses and other organisations to invest Welsh Government Transforming Towns grant funding across our city.  

“The council-driven £1bn regeneration programme is powering ahead – and projects such as Elysium Art at the former JT Morgan and Y Storfa at the former BHS are great examples of that.  

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“Other notable advances coming soon include the transformation of Castle Square into a greener more welcoming public focal point and the opening of the groundbreaking Biophilic Living building between The Kingsway and Oxford Street.”  

The Cabinet Secretary also visited Y Storfa, the former BHS department store on Oxford Street, which is set to become a public services hub, providing access to council services and hosting a range of other services including the West Glamorgan Archive Service and external partners including Citizens’ Advice.  

The project has received more than £13m in both loan and grant funding from the Welsh Government.  

#Art #CllrRobStewart #ElysiumGallery #JayneBryantMS #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #TransformingTowns #WelshGovernment