Revitalising vacant retail space to improve public service accessibly in Swansea

Y Storfa Community Hub Refurbishment and Retrofit

As part of Swansea Council’s wider regeneration ambitions, they wanted to transform a vacant retail unit into a new city centre hub that would bring key public services together. The project relocates civic functions from the existing Civic Centre into a former department store on Oxford Street, creating a highly accessible destination for culture, learning, and council services.

The extensive refurbishment and retrofit of the existing building presented significant technical challenges. Our involvement began at feasibility stage, helping to test deliverability and shape early proposals, before returning at RIBA Stage 4 to complete the design and provide buildings, civil, and structural engineering along with fire and acoustics support through a complex construction phase. The scope included asbestos removal, upgrades to the fire performance of the existing structural frame and floors, and the complete re-roofing of the building.

Within the building, the design introduces a new central staircase and roof light, bringing natural daylight deep into the structure’s footprint. Flexible workspaces, meeting rooms and exhibition areas sit alongside a new café and library facilities, while the upper floor is dedicated primarily to a tightly controlled, British Standard-compliant archive environment. Implementing this archive was a significant technical and logistical achievement, which involved retrofitting the structure to meet stringent requirements for environmental stability, fire protection, security, and long-term resilience. On the exterior, a new plant and photovoltaic array are accommodated at roof level, with a refreshed façade combining illuminated translucent cladding, recessed panels, and green wall features.

Today, Y Storfa is future ready civic asset and community hub that supports service integration, enhances the public realm, and contributes to the ongoing regeneration of Swansea city centre.