Swansea’s new Y Storfa hub draws praise as visitors embrace city centre one‑stop shop
The building, which opened on December 1 in the former BHS store on Oxford Street, has been “busy every day”, according to Swansea Council. The authority says visitors have praised its central location, bright design and the convenience of having multiple services under one roof.
Council leader Rob Stewart said the reaction had exceeded expectations.
Cllr Stewart said:
“We’re delighted that public and staff feedback from the early weeks at Y Storfa has been so positive. Public comments continue to be fantastic; our staff and partners love working here. It’s proving to be a real success.”
Members of the Mentro Allan social group say Y Storfa’s welcoming staff and central location make it an ideal meeting place.
(Image: Swansea Council)
Community groups using the space say it has already become a valued meeting point.
Jean Blair, from social group Mentro Allan, said:
“We really enjoy meeting here. Y Storfa has welcoming staff, plenty of comfortable space and is in a central location.”
The South Wales Miners’ Library, now based inside the hub, says the move has made it far easier for people to drop in.
Sian Williams, head of cultural collections at Swansea University, said:
“We’re much more accessible here and are delighted with the number of people who’ve called in and continue to do so. We’re open to everybody and it’s great to welcome a range of visitors.”
The council’s lifelong learning team says demand has surged since relocating.
Swansea University’s Sian Williams says the South Wales Miners’ Library is now “much more accessible” since relocating to Y Storfa.
(Image: Swansea Council)Judith Porch from Swansea Council’s lifelong learning team says Y Storfa is helping connect people by bringing multiple services together in one place.
(Image: Swansea Council)
Service co‑ordinator Judith Porch said:
“With so many services being in one space, Y Storfa is connecting people. It’s great for supporting our learners — you can see how people are enjoying the experience. We’ve seen huge interest in our lifelong learning classes; our IT classes are now completely full.”
Frontline staff say the hub is already improving how residents access help.
Senior revenues and benefits officer Andrea Jones says Y Storfa is making it easier for residents to access several services in a single visit.
(Image: Swansea Council)
Senior revenues and benefits officer Andrea Jones said:
“Y Storfa has made it easy for customers to access many services in one place. I had a customer who came in for a query about benefits who was then able to go straight to housing options. It makes it much more convenient being in the same location.”
The council says the numbers back up the positive feedback. December saw more than 670 new central library members — more than triple the usual monthly average — and children’s library loans have risen. The South Wales Miners’ Library, Citizens Advice, West Glamorgan Archive Service and Careers Wales all report increased footfall.
Visitors browse bilingual library sections at Y Storfa, where history and arts collections are now housed in the city centre hub.
(Image: Swansea Council)
Cllr Stewart says the hub is already playing a role in boosting the wider city centre.
He said:
“Thousands of people have already enjoyed what Y Storfa has to offer. They like its accessible and compelling mix of essential services. There’s been a significant uplift in visitors compared to previous locations used by the services based there.”
Staff at Y Storfa’s circular reception desk assist visitors with council services, library access and lifelong learning enquiries.
(Image: Swansea Council)
Y Storfa forms part of Swansea Council’s £1bn regeneration programme and was delivered with support from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns fund. The council says its location — close to car parks, bus routes and the newly reopened Park Street East car park — is helping draw people back into the city centre.
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