Public services set for move to city centre community hub

SWANSEA Council has revealed some of its services that could soon be accessed by the public at the city centre’s planned community hub.

The hub, set to be developed in Oxford Street’s former BHS and What! store could be visited by thousands of people every week.

The aim is for the building – which could open in 2023 at the heart of the city centre – to be a welcoming base for services delivered by the council and other organisations.

Council services being considered to relocate there include Swansea Library, the West Glamorgan Archive Service and the Contact Centre.

All are now accessed by the public at the Civic Centre which is due to be redeveloped as part of the city’s council-driven £1bn regeneration.

Other services due to move to the hub include the council’s Revenue and Benefits service, Housing Options and Tenancy Support Unit (TSU), Employability, Life-long Learning and Local Studies and Family History services.

Staff have been told. They and the public will be kept up to date on plans. The council continues to consider options for their future locations of other Civic-based services.

Council leader Rob Stewart said:

“Many services will be easier to access in a more welcoming environment – and no services will be lost in the move.

“The development will bring increased footfall for city centre businesses, creating and maintaining city centre jobs.”

Proposed initial designs for the hub reveal a striking new look just yards from a revamped Castle Square Gardens, Kingsway and Wind Street. It’ll be a short walk from the Quadrant bus station and other public transport services.

The public have been consulted about the concept and planners have approved a change of use application.