Swansea Council's cabinet has approved further work on plans to transform the city's seafront Civic Centre into apartments, commercial spaces, an aquarium, and a saltwater lido. The project, led by regeneration partners Urban Splash, follows a positive public response to proposals unveiled in January. This marks the first phase of a broader vision to enhance the waterfront as a key destination.
Swansea Council's cabinet approved the next stage of redevelopment for the Civic Centre on March 2, 2026, allowing detailed planning work to proceed toward a full application expected later this year. The building, located on the seafront between Swansea Arena and the bay, has been largely vacant since council services relocated to the new Y Storfa hub on Oxford Street in December 2025. Y Storfa now houses the central library, contact centre, revenues and benefits, and the West Glamorgan Archive Service, and has been busy since opening.
Urban Splash is leading the regeneration, proposing 15 commercial units on the ground and lower ground floors for cafes, bars, shops, workspaces, and leisure areas, with around 140 apartments on the upper floors. Unique features include a new aquarium and saltwater lido, capitalizing on the site's prime coastal location with views of the waterfront.
The plans were displayed at a public exhibition in January at Y Storfa, attracting large crowds and an overwhelmingly positive response. Council leader Rob Stewart described the site as "one of the most spectacular waterfront sites in the UK" and stated, "We want to see it transformed into a vibrant destination with new homes, independent businesses, leisure and community spaces that will benefit local people while attracting more visitors to Swansea." He noted this as "the first phase of a bigger vision for the overall Civic Centre site, which — once delivered — will further strengthen Swansea’s reputation as a leading waterfront destination."
David Warburton, development director at Urban Splash, said: "It’s an extraordinary building in an unrivalled waterfront location, and we see enormous potential to create a place that people will want to live in, visit and spend time in. Our ambition is to sensitively repurpose the building, delivering high-quality homes alongside dynamic spaces for independent businesses, hospitality, leisure and community uses — creating activity throughout the day and into the evening."
The project aligns with the council's 'Future Swansea' vision, a draft document published last month outlining development for the city centre and waterfront over the next eight to ten years. Recent investments, such as the indoor arena and restoration of the Albert Hall, have already boosted cultural and leisure offerings, while conversions of upper commercial floors into flats support local businesses. Urban Splash also plans a riverside neighbourhood in St Thomas with more than 150 homes. The planning application will go to the council's planning committee after submission in the coming months.
