Progress being made on city’s new services hub
THESE new images show the significant progress being made in the creation of Swansea’s new city centre public services hub.
Contractors Kier, working on behalf of Swansea Council in Oxford Street’s former BHS store, have spent several months stripping the huge property back to its shell and core.
Their work has revealed the expansive spaces that, from next year after work is complete, will be a welcoming space to the hundreds of residents who will visit Y Storfa every week.
As part of the city’s ongoing £1bn regeneration, it’ll become home to Swansea’s main library, the West Glamorgan Archive Service and a number of other public-facing council services.
Non-council services there will include Swansea’s Careers Wales service and Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot.
Council leader Rob Stewart said: “There’s a huge amount of space in the emerging Y Storfa – it’s one reason why we decided to make it a welcoming new home to key public services. It’s also close to car parks, bus routes and shared spaces used every day by thousands of pedestrians and cyclists.
“We look forward to continuing our work with Kier and Y Storfa’s opening next year when it’ll bring a great deal of new footfall to the city centre.
“Local businesses – as well as the many people who use it – will benefit from Y Storfa.
“It’ll be another great reason for people to enjoy their city centre, standing right next to Castle Square Gardens which is due to get a greener, more people-friendly new look soon.”
Y Storfa will offer a range of public services and useful resources.
Other services the public will be able to access there will be announced in the coming months.
Jason Taylor, regional director at Kier Construction Western & Wales, said: “We’re pleased to be developing Y Storfa for the council and local people; it’ll increase vital community space in the heart of the city.
“The regeneration works will help improve the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of the local community during the construction works and leave a lasting, positive legacy when completed.”
Those with questions about the work, or ideas about how Kier can support local causes and events where possible, can phone site manager Jenny Jones on 07966 861721.
Some council services to move to Y Storfa will relocate from the Civic Centre which is in line to be redeveloped as a new city seafront district in a partnership between the council and developers Urban Splash.
New homes and leisure and hospitality uses could feature at the seafront site, along with greenery, public spaces and a new walkway to the beach.