Last week I was really pleased to be at 71/72 Kingsway to celebrate its official opening and the contribution the landmark we delivered will be making to our city centre’s reputation in the coming years. This week the Leader and I caught up with South Wales Police Chief Superintendent Steve Jones to discuss policing in Swansea city centre and wider areas. Fostering the city’s reputation as a welcoming, safe place to shop, work and visit is very important when we and the private sector are investing so much transforming buildings and the public realm. So, it was really good to hear how more police resources are going into in the city centre to help tackle some of the anti-social behaviour issues that exist there. This action has led to a reduction in city centre crime and an increase in successful prosecutions.
Also, a lot of other work is being done through our work with community safety and cohesion to also improve perceptions. Last year, for example, we staged the City Chill initiative, aimed at engaging with young people and discouraging anti-social behaviour during the summer months. It really helped and we’re doing the same this summer as well. My thanks to all involved.
On Wednesday the Corporate Joint Committee for South West Wales signed-off on the final draft of its regional transport plan. It’s a vital document because we can’t feel the full benefits of our economic transformation if public transport isn’t up to scratch for getting to and from work, for example. The plan sets out how we aim to ensure buses and trains are a practical alternative to the car, connecting communities with an accessible transport network for the region. The project was led by us – and my thanks go to Rachel Lewis, Matt Bowyer, Chloe Lewis, Katie Watkins and Ian Jones for getting it over the line. I know how difficult it is to work in the regional space sometimes and seeking agreement from four local authorities who rightly are looking after their best interests. So it’s a great achievement to have completed such a detailed piece of work and negotiated a consensus across all partners now allowing the plan to be submitted to Welsh Government for final approval – and hopefully drawing down much-needed investment in our regional transport infrastructure.
Congratulations to Caredig Housing Association which is celebrating its 50th birthday this year. I went along to join the celebrations at Hazel Court this week and it was a very good event. Caredig is one of a number of housing associations in Swansea that our teams work with, helping promote wellbeing by supporting tenants and local communities. Again, partnership working is crucial if we are to tackle some of the challenges with homelessness and delivering on our More Homes targets.
Well done to the Early Years, Early Help team who hosted another brilliant Teddy Bear’s Picnic at the National Waterfront Museum on Wednesday. It’s a fun day out full of play, entertainment and games. But it’s also an opportunity to celebrate the work of teams who ensure young families get the right support at the right time. The service is a great example of how early assistance promotes positive family life, children’s education prospects and prevents the need for greater support later on.
Well done to our regeneration team behind the revitalisation of the Palace Theatre who’ve been shortlisted as the retrofit project of the year in the traditional and historic category of the Building Awards 2025.
As some of you may know our award-winning Swansea Market team run a work placement scheme offering a welcoming space to grow and learn to pupils who find school life challenging. This year’s student, Szymon from Birchgrove Comprehensive School, has just completed his placement and his teachers say it’s transformed his outlook, boosting his confidence and communication skills. Szymon has even been voted most improved student of the year by fellow pupils. Well done Szymon and my thanks to the market team for helping make the difference.
We are saying goodbye to rents officer Wyn Evans later this month, who is retiring after 45 years’ service. He started as a rent collector in the Town Hall in Gorseinon, moved to Lliw Valley Borough Council and joined us when we merged. Thank you for your service, Wyn. And it’s also farewell today to Simon Evans from our DesignPrint team who is leaving after 31 years with us. Good luck in your new endeavours, Simon.
Also, don’t forget that following last weekend’s highly-praised Wales Airshow, IRONMAN 70.3 is happening on Sunday. My thanks to all involved for what promises to be another boost to our reputation for staging brilliant events.
And finally, I know we are starting to enter holiday season but please continue to share with me the good news and long service or retirements you know about and I’ll do my best to include them in the blog. You can email these to me directly martin.nicholls@swansea.gov.uk
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