Swansea has made strides in addressing key issues, but challenges remain as the city looks ahead to 2025
Swansea: There’s a lot to love about this Welsh city. With its vibrant art scene, stunning beaches, and exciting regeneration plans, Swansea has plenty to celebrate.
2024 was a big year! The Palace Theatre reopened, the old Albert Hall got a classy makeover, and events like the Wales Airshow and Christmas parade brought joy to many. Plus, the World Triathlon Series and Ironman 70.3 kept the excitement going. Looking ahead, 2025 promises even more fun.
But let’s be real, not everything is sunshine and rainbows. Empty shops, stalled projects, and social issues still need attention. At the start of 2024, we put together a list of 15 problems that needed fixing. Now, a year later, we’re checking in on those issues and adding a few more that need tackling in 2025.
First up, the multi-storey car park near Swansea Arena. It’s still not open, and that’s a bummer. We hoped it would be sorted out by now, but it’s still under wraps. The original contractor ran into trouble, and while a new company was brought in, we’re still waiting.
Then there’s homelessness. It’s a tough situation in Swansea, with numbers rising. A recent report showed that many people are stuck in temporary accommodations for way too long. It’s a problem that needs serious attention.
And what about the empty Debenhams store? It’s been vacant since 2021, and while the council is in talks with potential tenants, it’s still sitting empty. Fingers crossed something happens soon!
Another hot topic is the Kilvey Hill adventure park project. Some locals are worried about losing their beloved hill, while others see the potential for jobs and economic growth. It’s a tricky balance.
Morriston Hospital is also feeling the strain. With increasing patient numbers, it’s been under pressure for a while now. The staff are doing their best, but the system needs to catch up.
And let’s not forget about the sewage issues. It’s a shame that our beautiful beaches are affected by spills. We need clean waters for everyone to enjoy.
On a brighter note, the Ospreys are moving to St Helen’s, which is exciting for sports fans. They’re planning to start construction soon, and it’s a much-needed change.
But we also lost Zara from the high street, which is a blow. The city needs to keep big names to attract shoppers and boost the local economy.
Transport for Wales finally introduced later trains, which is a win for the music and arts scene. But there’s still more to do to improve connectivity.
The Mumbles sea defences project is ongoing, and while it’s a bit of a mess now, it’s crucial for protecting our coastline.
Anti-social behaviour has seen a drop, thanks to efforts from the police and council. It’s great to see positive changes in the city.
High Street is getting some love with redevelopment plans, but there’s still work to be done to make it safe and welcoming.
As for Swansea Airport, we’re still waiting for commercial flights. There’s some hope with new operators, but it’s a slow process.
The Civic Centre is in line for a makeover, but we’re still in the planning stages. It’s a long road ahead.
Lastly, Castle Square is set for a transformation, but we’re still waiting for the main work to kick off.
So, while Swansea has made progress, there’s still a lot on the to-do list. Here’s hoping for a productive 2025!
