Work is starting on a new permanent memorial that will provide a place for reflection on Swansea’s shared experience of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The memorial is being created on a grassed area of the promenade near the Slip Bridge and has been shaped by extensive engagement with local people, organisations and groups affected by the pandemic.
This area, and the wider Bay, was one of the first places that residents visited to meet with friends and family once permitted, and the memorial provides a permanent nod to those times, offering a quiet place for rest and reflection.
Designed by Welsh artists Catrin Jones and Angharad Pearce Jones, the memorial will overlook Swansea Bay and offer a quiet space for reflection and contemplation.
The artwork includes seating, planting and new accessible paths connecting the site with existing promenade routes.
The design was developed in response to discussions with local communities about their experiences of the pandemic and reflects themes of community spirit, remembrance, and hope.
Fencing is being installed around the site while construction and landscaping work take place ahead of a formal unveiling later this month.
Cllr Elliott King, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Human Rights and Equalities, said: “The pandemic affected people in many different ways, and its impact is still felt by families and communities across Swansea.
“The people have helped shape the memorial and it will provide a lasting place where anyone can pause, reflect and remember.
“It will recognise those who lost their lives, those whose lives were changed and the key workers, volunteers, neighbours, and communities who supported one another with kindness and compassion.”
The memorial will be fully accessible and include seating that offers people the chance to look out across the bay or inward towards the city.
Constructed of steel and coloured glass and inspired by the peacock butterfly – a symbol of hope and community spirit – the memorial will also feature wildflower planting to create a welcoming place where people can pause and reflect.
Artists Catrin Jones and Angharad Pearce Jones said the project has been deeply informed by the city’s collective memories.
Catrin Jones said: “This memorial brings together light, colour and nature to create a calm and thoughtful space by the sea. We wanted to offer something gentle, symbolic and enduring, a place that holds people’s stories with care.”
Angharad Pearce Jones said: “During our engagement work, people spoke about grief, resilience and the small acts of kindness that helped them through Covid. The design reflects those emotions, the distances we had to keep, the connections we tried to maintain, and the hope that carried us forward.
“Visitors will be able to sit and reflect, looking out to sea or inland towards the landscapes and continuing bustle of the city.”
