Thousands more people will soon be working in Swansea city centre – a major step forward for the city’s regeneration and a clear sign of growing business confidence in Swansea.
This increase in footfall is vital. It will help support existing traders, create new opportunities for shops, cafés and services, and attract further investment in the months and years ahead.
We know our residents want a vibrant city centre with more places to shop, work, and spend time, but – like many other cities across the UK – Swansea faces the ongoing challenge of changing retail habits and the rise of online shopping, which means the traditional city centre model needs to evolve.
That’s why these latest developments are so important.
Office space at our 71/72 Kingsway development is already 80% let, and positive talks are ongoing about the remaining space at the scheme. Travel and leisure company TUI recently celebrated their official opening there, joining financial firm Futures First and flexible workspace provider IWG, who have also signed-up. More tenants will be announced soon – another sign of confidence in the city’s direction.
Later this year, we’ll also see the opening of Y Storfa – our new community services hub at the former BHS building on Oxford Street. This major project will bring together a range of council and partner services under one roof, including a new Central Library, the West Glamorgan Archive Service, Housing Options, Housing Support, the Contact Centre, and Revenues and Benefits.
These developments matter. When businesses consider where to invest, numbers count – from city centre footfall to office occupancy. That’s why the regeneration schemes delivered by the council, our partners, and the private sector are so crucial to Swansea’s future.
It’s also been a productive week or so for regional collaboration. The Welsh Government has now approved a regional transport plan for South West Wales, and new local energy plans have been announced for each local authority in the region. These will play a key role in supporting our journey towards net zero.
With Christmas fast approaching, plans are already in motion for another fantastic festive season. I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the officers involved in last year’s Christmas Parade. Thanks to their hard work, the council has been shortlisted for the Event of the Year Award in the local authority category at the National Outdoor Events Association (NOEA) Awards 2025. Good luck to all involved!
Our annual fireworks display is also taking place at St Helen’s on Wednesday (November 5), helping to further reinforce the importance of events to Swansea’s success.
Congratulations to Maggie Bassett from Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Bryn y Môr, who was one of five UK finalists in the National Awards for Pastoral Care in Education, shortlisted in the Pastoral Member of Staff of the Year category.
A special mention also to Viv Rees from our legal team, who will retire on November 14 after 40 years of service. Viv’s dedication and professionalism have made a lasting impact, and she will be greatly missed by her colleagues. I wish her a long and happy retirement.
The council has evolved enormously since Viv joined in 1985, but one thing has never changed – the vital contribution of our staff. Your ideas, feedback, and daily commitment are what keep improving our services and make Swansea a great place to live and work. This is why I’d like to remind all staff to take part in this year’s staff survey so that your views can help shape the next phase of improvements across the council.
The expectation is that all staff will have the opportunity to participate in the staff survey – either online through this link or as part of a team session with their managers, who are all obliged to hold a team brief to discuss the staff survey.
If you are a manager, then please ensure this takes place and – for employees who haven’t heard anything – please speak to your manager so that it’s diarised. The deadline for staff survey completion is mid-November, so I look forward to receiving your feedback shortly.
Finally, it was with great sadness that we recently learned of the passing of David Daycock, a former head of legal here at the council. Dave was a trusted colleague and a good friend to many. My deepest condolences go to his family and friends.
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