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Wales Online
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Michael Sheen gives update on new national theatre and says 'it feels fitting'
Michael Sheen gives update on new national theatre and says 'it feels fitting' The Hollywood actor described it as a 'full circle moment' Elliott King, Swansea Council cabinet member for culture, human rights and equalities, council leader Rob Stewart, Michael Sheen, artistic director for Welsh National Theatre and Sharon Gilburd, the theatre's chief executive officer outside Swansea Civic Centre (Image: South Wales Evening Post ) Hollywood actor Michael Sheen has announced Swansea will be the new home of Welsh National Theatre. The Port Talbot actor has announced his company's first headquarters will be in the city's civic centre, overlooking the beach of Swansea Bay. It comes after it was announced that Welsh National Theatre's first production, Our Town, will debut at Swansea Grand Theatre next year from January 16 to 31. The play, which later tours Wales before closing at co-production partner the Rose Theatre in Kingston-upon-Thames, is directed by Swansea-born Francesca Goodridge with Swansea native Russell T Davies as creative associate. Mr Sheen, who is artistic director of Welsh National Theatre, said there was a special reason why Swansea had been selected. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here . He said: "My theatrical journey began on the stage in Swansea as a member of the West Glamorgan Youth Theatre, so it feels fitting to come full circle to base Welsh National Theatre in the city. "Swansea is a place of creativity, resilience and inspiration and I'm excited by the possibilities this presents not just for artists, but for the people of Wales. "This isn't about just an office space, but a cultural hub which welcomes creatives in, and we're working on plans to make the space come alive with actors, directors, producers and writers before the work meets audiences. In just seven months, a Swansea audience will be the first anywhere in the world to see a Welsh National Theatre production live; the countdown is truly on." Article continues below Sharon Gilburd, founding chief executive of Welsh National Theatre, added: "We see Swansea as an integral part of our future. There's genuine heartfelt passion and commitment from the Swansea Council team to work with us so we can all help to create a thriving and innovative cultural scene — both for today and for generations to come." After taking to the stage in Swansea in Our Town, Sheen will play Owain Glyndŵr in Gary Owen's epic new play, Owain & Henry, in a Welsh National Theatre and Wales Millennium Centre co-production in November 2026. The decision by Welsh National Theatre to set up in the city has been welcomed by council leader Rob Stewart. He said: "This is a proud moment for Swansea. Having Welsh National Theatre based here shows how far we've come as a creative city. The creation of Welsh National Theatre marks a bold step in raising the profile of Welsh storytelling on a global stage — and by choosing Swansea as its home, it strengthens the city's role as a hub for national and international creative talent. "This brings real opportunities for those working across the performance sector — from actors to musicians, artists and writers to designers, producers and technicians — to be part of something world-class, creating new intellectual property, rooted in Swansea and rooted in Wales. "Wales deserves an English language national theatre company — and we're thrilled that, through the vision of its artistic director Michael Sheen, Welsh National Theatre has chosen Swansea as its home. The impact of hosting world-class theatre in Swansea will be transformative. It has the potential to stimulate a new generation of local talent and inspire even more visitors to come to our city." Article continues below And the council's cabinet member for culture, human rights and equalities, Elliott King added: "From the Swansea Building Society Arena to grassroots music and performance spaces, the many creative people who help make our local culture so vibrant, innovative and diverse also ensure it's the best place for audiences to enjoy. "Welsh National Theatre being based in Swansea will help attract even more attention to our creative industries and cultural sector. Working with schools, universities, digital trend-setters and businesses, our ambition for Swansea to make its mark on an international stage has never looked brighter."
Business News Wales
02-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Welsh Contractor to Lead Restoration of Historic Swansea Structures
A long-standing building and civil engineering company has been selected to help bring new life to three historic Swansea structures. South Wales-based Andrew Scott Ltd plans to start work on site this year in a Swansea Council scheme to transform the Vivian and Musgrave Engine Houses, and the V&S No.1 Locomotive shed. Over the coming few months, the company will lead on the final stages of design for the project, on the site of the former Hafod-Morfa Copperworks. Andrew Scott – which dates back more than 150 years and has worked on a wide range of projects – was selected in a competitive tender process. Swansea schemes it has previously worked on include the construction of the new Gorseinon Primary School, the construction of Mumbles' Marks & Spencer Foodhall and the build and renovation of the city centre's grade two listed Alex Building for the University of Wales Trinity St David. They worked on Technium 1 and the Ethos Building in SA1. Council leader Rob Stewart said: 'We're delighted to have Andrew Scott on board for the exciting transformation of these copperworks buildings. 'It's a company with a track record in excellence and they'll do a great job on helping us to regenerate the Lower Swansea Valley. 'This is an exciting time for that area as we and others plan to invest tens of millions of pounds there. 'Our £1bn regeneration of Swansea continues at pace.' A planning application for a major outdoor leisure destination by world-class operator Skyline has been approved for land close to the engine sheds and on Kilvey Hill. Mark Bowen, managing director of Andrew Scott Ltd, said: 'As one of Wales's oldest independent construction companies, we're proud to be working alongside Swansea Council on the Lower Swansea Valley project to restore and transform key parts of the historic Hafod-Morfa Copperworks. 'As a Swansea-based company, we profoundly appreciate that this iconic site reflects the city's rich industrial heritage. 'By regenerating these significant buildings, we're helping to celebrate local identity, strengthen community ties, and ensure future generations can enjoy and learn from this unique part of Swansea's story.' The engine houses form an integral part of Swansea's industrial heritage. The council wants to bring them back into use to bring pleasure to thousands and new opportunities. The copperworks of past centuries were key to the growth of Swansea, playing a crucial role as major industry over around 300 years. The industry declined but some of its buildings and other structures remain. The plan now is to redevelop and restore buildings for new uses and to improve access to them. Andrew Scott will make the nearby V&S No.1 Locomotive Shed, a listed building that served the copperworks, safe and watertight. It's currently dilapidated. The engine houses – both listed buildings – will, in future, be suitable for a range of uses, including restaurants and cafes, exhibition-style space and shops. The council saved the two engine houses from ongoing decay several years ago. A new river pontoon was added nearby. The Musgrave structure, built around 1910, contains rare scheduled ancient monument the Musgrave Engine, the UK's only one of its kind remaining in its original location. In future, the engine's external elements will have a covered shelter to enable the machinery's future restoration and to help tell the story of local archaeology. The Vivian Engine House, built in 1860, will feature a mezzanine floor. A new building will link the two engine houses. There'll be an outdoor terrace area. Swansea Council is working on a series of schemes in the River Tawe corridor. The schemes are being funded with part of £20m funding from the UK Government's Levelling Up scheme.
Pembrokeshire Herald
24-05-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Gigabit-capable broadband coverage continues to rise in Pembrokeshire
THE ROLLOUT of gigabit-capable broadband in Pembrokeshire is progressing at an impressive pace, supported by the Swansea Bay City Deal's Digital Infrastructure Programme. Recent data highlights significant year-on-year growth in broadband coverage, reflecting the success of this initiative and its role in enhancing digital connectivity across the region. Coverage in the county has grown substantially. At the end of March 2021, only 7.6% of Pembrokeshire residents and businesses had access to gigabit-capable broadband. By the end of March 2024, this figure had reached 48.2%, and as of March 2025, it has risen again to 65.1%, demonstrating the program's momentum (Source: ThinkBroadband). The rollout has been bolstered by successful projects funded through the UK government's Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, ensuring that residents and businesses in more remote areas can access high-speed internet. Key to the success of the rollout in Pembrokeshire has been the collaboration of two Digital Champions, who have worked closely with Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC). These partnerships have been instrumental in scheduling civil engineering works around the county's bustling tourist economy and existing infrastructure projects, reducing disruption to residents and businesses. Additionally, a wide range of suppliers are actively contributing to the project. Companies like Openreach, Ogi, Voneus, and the local business Dragon WiFi have all played vital roles in expanding broadband access across the county. To further boost coverage, Openreach is delivering a £289 million contract as part of the UK government's Project Gigabit. This initiative will connect around 131,000 homes and businesses in some of the most remote areas of South Wales to reliable, high-speed broadband. The benefits of this expanded connectivity are significant, from better access to online services and improved opportunities for remote work and education, to supporting Pembrokeshire's growing local economy. Cllr Paul Miller commented, 'The progress we're seeing is a result of strong teamwork between the council, our partners, and the local community. We are committed to ensuring that everyone in Pembrokeshire benefits from fast, reliable internet access.' Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council and Chair of the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee, said: 'Year-on-year increases in gigabit-capable broadband coverage in Pembrokeshire are a tremendous achievement. This collaboration plays a crucial role in boosting the local economy, opening up opportunities, and ensuring that everyone, whether they live, work, or visit here, can benefit from better connectivity.'
Business News Wales
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Contract Awarded for Swansea Bay City Deal's £10m Better Broadband Infill Project
Swansea Bay City Deal's Digital Infrastructure Programme has announced that BT in partnership with Openreach has successfully been awarded the delivery contract for the Better Broadband Infill Project. The £10 million project will bring full fibre broadband to 1,533 premises and an additional 256 sites across the four counties in the Swansea Bay City Region – Pembrokeshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire. This project specifically targets premises that currently have broadband speeds of less than 30Mbps and who are not in scope for any existing government interventions such as Project Gigabit or part of commercial build plans. The homes and businesses included are predominantly in harder to reach, rural areas where the cost to provide faster broadband services is considerably higher. Cllr. Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council and Chair of the Swansea Bay City Deal Joint Committee, said: 'This project is a game-changer for our region. By bringing high-speed internet to areas that have been left behind, we are not only improving quality of life but also opening up new opportunities for economic and social development. Access to reliable broadband is no longer a luxury; it's a necessity. This project will ensure that everyone in the Swansea Bay region can participate fully in the digital age.' Susi Marston, Head of Public Sector Wales at BT, said: 'Connectivity is at the heart of how people live and work today but all of that relies on the right infrastructure being in place. 'The Better Broadband Infill Project will improve services for thousands of people across the Swansea Bay City Region who will benefit from state-of-the-art connectivity even in hard-to-reach areas.'The Better Broadband Infill Project is set to start this month and will continue its delivery across the region over six phases, with the first 220 premises connected by December this year and a completion date of March 31st 2027.'
Business News Wales
29-04-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
City Centre Transformation Continues as ‘Living Building' Scheme Nears Completion
Construction of a major new 'living building' scheme in Swansea city centre is due for completion by the end of this summer. Located between Oxford Street and The Kingsway, the scheme is being led by Hacer Developments. The development will include features such as: An urban-style greenhouse set over four floors An education facility featuring an aquaponic system Rooftop gardens, wildflower boarders and green spaces Nine floors of apartments to be managed by Pobl Close to 32,000 square feet of commercial floor space for businesses Retail A landscaped courtyard A bio-solar roof with ambient loop heating and sustainable drainage systems The development, once complete, will accommodate up to 500 people, thanks to the jobs and homes it will create. It will be powered by solar energy and an air source heat system. The scheme is one example of a regeneration programme worth more than £1 billion which is designed to transform Swansea city centre. Other examples include the nearby office scheme at 71/72 Kingsway developed by Swansea Council and part-funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal. Shot by Calan Films on behalf of the Welsh Government, this video shows the progress being made on site at the former Woolworths building and a new adjoining 13-storey tower: Carwyn Davies, Managing Director of Hacer Developments, said: 'These are unprecedented times for Swansea city centre with so much funding being invested by the council, the Welsh Government and the private sector. 'This is important because city centres now need more people living and working there to create the numbers needed to support city centre businesses and encourage more shops and other businesses to open up in future. 'Our scheme is aimed at creating a new way of urban working and living – one that connects residents and workers to nature. This has been proven to benefit health and happiness. 'The building will also be powered in a renewable way that will help cut Swansea's carbon footprint and fight climate change.' Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: 'Swansea's £1 billion transformation is continuing at pace to create more jobs for local people, support local businesses and raise Swansea's profile across the UK and beyond for investment. 'Swansea Arena has been completed, the Palace Theatre building has reopened, the Albert Hall has been transformed, and the 71/72 Kingsway office development will soon be open with a number of tenants confirmed and advanced discussions with many other tenants ongoing. 'It's fantastic news that the groundbreaking, innovative 'living building' scheme led by Hacer Developments will be following suit by the end of the summer. 'Our new 'Y Storfa' community services hub at the former BHS unit on Oxford Street is due for completion by the end of the year too, and work will soon start to transform Castle Square into a greener destination at the heart of the city centre.' The 'living building' is being funded by a mixture of private sector funding and funding from the Welsh Government's Innovative Housing Programme, Pobl and the Development Bank of Wales.
