These images show how Swansea’s former Debenhams building now looks inside as works to bring it back into use gather pace.
Acting on behalf of Swansea Council, a team from Andrew Scott Ltd are now close to finishing stripping out works at the unit which include the removal of fixtures, fittings, internal walls and partitions.
This means landlord fitout works can soon start at the building, helping enable tenants to move in more quickly once final agreements are in place.
Plans include subdividing the ground floor into two units for nationally recognised retail tenants, while the upper floors will be transformed for a leading leisure operator.
Discussions with prospective tenants are advanced and announcements will be made as soon as permissions are secured.
Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “We know how much this building means to residents and city centre businesses, which is why we stepped in to secure it with support from the Welsh Government after Debenhams went into administration across the country.
“The strip-out works are now largely complete and our focus now is moving to a landlord fitout so prospective tenants can move quickly into their own fitout phase once agreements are finalised.
“Bringing this key building back into use is a major step towards creating a vibrant, thriving city centre. Not only will it provide high-quality retail and leisure spaces, but it will also generate jobs, increase footfall and encourage further investment.
“This redevelopment is part of our ongoing commitment to making Swansea city centre a destination people want to visit, shop and spend time in.”
Steve Rees, Operations Director at Andrew Scott Ltd, said “We’re proud to be involved in the regeneration of such a landmark building.
“Projects like this play a vital role in revitalising city centres while supporting local jobs and skills.
“We have worked closely with our local supply chain partners ensuring the benefits of the investment are felt across the community. Our expertise in large refurbishment projects will contribute to a new retail and leisure facility that will have lasting benefits for Swansea.”
The project follows-on from other schemes to bring empty city centre sites back into use.
These include the Palace Theatre and the 71/72 Kingsway development at the former Oceana nightclub site where office space is already 80% let.
The new Y Storfa community services hub at the former BHS unit on Oxford Street also opened last month.
