Swansea city centre has welcomed a major new addition as Y Storfa opened its doors to the public.
This flagship community services hub, delivered by Swansea Council, is located in the former BHS building on Oxford Street.
Y Storfa is a cornerstone of the council's £1 billion regeneration programme. The council says it is designed to transform how residents access essential services in the heart of the city and will help increase footfall in the city centre.
Many of the services being offered there were available on day one while others will be added as staff and visitors settle in to new routines, the council said.
Council Leader Rob Stewart said:
“Our fantastic new Y Storfa is a great city centre space for the people of Swansea to access services they use day in day out.
“Along with other improvements in our £1 billion regeneration programme, it'll make the city centre an even better place to visit.
“People can come together here and take part in community life in a modern and welcoming space.”
Visitors can find the city's Central Library at Y Storfa, the council's Housing Options and Housing Support services, the West Glamorgan Archive Service and a number of other council services.
Careers Wales and Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot have bases there, alongside other services such as Swansea University's South Wales Miners' Library.
Funders of Y Storfa include the Welsh Government's Transforming Towns programme. Construction work was led by Kier.
Ian Rees, regional director for Kier Construction Western & Wales, said:
“We are incredibly proud to see Y Storfa open its doors to the public, providing a vital community space right at the heart of the city centre, delivered to the highest standards and continuing Kier's strong relationship with Swansea Council.”
Wendy Williams, operational development manager at Careers Wales, said:
“We're delighted to be opening our new careers centre at Y Storfa.
“This new hub makes it easier for people to access free careers advice and guidance in a central, welcoming space.
“Whilst our support can be accessed online and via telephone, it's vital we continue to offer an inclusive local service supporting residents and surrounding communities.”
Caroline Newman, chief officer of Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot, said:
“We're excited to be moving our main offices to Y Storfa.
“The move will improve accessibility and create opportunities for collaboration, whilst providing modern purpose-designed surroundings for staff and clients.
“We look forward to being part of this development.”
The council added that there is now no public access via the front doors of Swansea Civic Centre. People looking to use council services that had been based at the Civic Centre should instead to the new Y Storfa community services hub on Oxford Street.
The registration offices and bereavement services will continue to operate from the Civic Centre until further notice.
The council added that work on redevelopment plans for the Civic Centre is continuing and will be announced once finalised.
