It’s really pleasing to see so much progress being made on transforming our city centre this year. Earlier this week Urban Splash – our city centre development partners – hosted workshop discussions with members and senior officers on its masterplan for the future of the Civic Centre. As you know, it’ll be a big change as staff make way so the landmark can become a multi-purpose visitor destination, creating jobs and boosting tourism. Work on the project will continue over the next six months before proposals come to Cabinet.
The project follows the work being done this year at Y Storfa and the public sector hub in the city centre which will also see staff moving to them. Along with 71/72 Kingsway opening soon and the transformation of Castle Square beginning this year too, 2025 promises to be a very busy year for our regeneration aspirations and our ambition to boost city centre footfall aiding its future viability. My thanks to all those involved in these vital projects and I will update you in the coming months on any arrangements that may affect you.
At CMT this week a range of items were discussed, including the current in-year budget position and the emerging New UK and Welsh Government public procurement legislation. Procurement may sound a bit dry, but it’s the way we ensure we get value for money for the millions of pounds we invest in ordering and buying all kinds of goods and services. Staff training is starting, so please look out for it.
CMT also got an update on recent emergency management matters that have affected Swansea and Wales, including responses to serious flooding events in the valleys and lessons learned. You’ll remember our staff responded to Storm Darragh magnificently and the discussion was quite topical given that Storm Eowyn has been in the news in recent days. We have been on a yellow Met Office warning for the storm, so my thanks to the teams involved in the response as the storm moves through today.
On Tuesday I was delighted to attend the official opening of the refurbished SPARKS Centre in Blaenymaes. Once a hub for young people, it’s been turned into much-needed safe, energy-efficient and affordable homes for rent. The project is part of our More Homes delivery programme which aims to deliver 1,000 new homes for residents in a decade. My thanks to all those involved in its delivery from our housing and building services teams as well as frontline teams supporting vulnerable people in search of a place to live.
Congratulations to two of our apprentices Isaac Fabb and Ashleigh Johnson who have been shortlisted for awards in the UK APSE building and housing apprentice awards, 2025. Good luck to you both at next month’s final.
If you’re a manager please join our survey about how we can improve your monthly manager briefing. It will only take two minutes, the improvements will help ensure you have the most important corporate stories you need to share with staff at team meetings and you can find the link here.
Finally, on a personal note, I’d welcome your support for a blood cancer fundraising campaign I’m backing called Walk of Light which is taking place on the evening of the 29th March in Swansea. As you know I have blood cancer and I’m glad to say it’s now in remission but want to try and support ongoing research and to shine light on blood cancer. You can find out more about Walk of Light here to take part or get in touch with me directly.
Isaac Fabb – what a fab ambassador for the council!