Swansea Labour to create new city centre library and one-stop shop
The Swansea Labour-led Council Swansea Council revealed some of its services that could soon be accessed by the public at the city centre's planned community hub in Oxford St.
The hub, set to be developed in the former BHS and What! Store near Castle Square Gardens, could be visited by thousands of people every week and help increase the city’s footfall.
Swansea Labour’s aim is for the building - which could open in 2023 - to be a welcoming base for many of the crucial 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.
Council leader and Labour Cllr 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.”
"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.
