Welsh government invests in new arts centre

The Welsh government has awarded £780,000 to Swansea Council to help turn a long-term vacant building into a new arts and culture centre.

Artist-led organisation Elysium Art Limited is delivering the project that will see the creation of a multi-purpose arts centre at the home of a former department store that has been empty for 15 years.

Once renovated, the first and second floors will be lettable studio spaces for artists, with the ground floor used as a gallery space, equipped with meeting spaces and a cafe. 

The basement will also be refurbished to provide additional studio space and storage.

The investment comes through the Welsh government’s Transforming Towns fund. Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, says the fund aims to help communities reimagine their urban spaces.

“By breathing new life into this disused space, we’re not only enhancing Swansea’s cultural offering but also creating opportunities for local artists and generating increased footfall that will benefit other businesses in the city centre,” Bryant added.