Swansea is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with over £1bn committed to projects designed to make the city one of the UK’s very best places to live, work, study, enjoy and visit.
From the cutting-edge Swansea Building Society Arena to the revival of the historic Palace Theatre building, these developments are not just reshaping the skyline, they’re creating jobs, attracting investment, and ensuring a thriving future for businesses and residents alike.
At the heart of this progress is a commitment to create more jobs and opportunities for local people, and this extends to the construction and redevelopment phases of these projects.
Councillor Rob Stewart, leader of the City & County of Swansea Council, said:
“We are delighted to see so many ambitious regeneration projects breathing new life into the city.,” said Mr Stewart “and It’s equally pleasing to see Swansea-based businesses playing a key role in these major projects, reinforcing the strength and expertise we have on our doorstep.”
One such business making a lasting impact is Plexus Fire & Security (Plexus FS). Based in Fforestfach, the company has been instrumental in ensuring the safety and security of Swansea’s most significant developments.
With a portfolio spanning the Swansea Arena, 71/72 Kingsway, Palace Theatre, and beyond, Plexus FS is not only protecting the city’s future, but it’s actively shaping it.
Swansea Building Society Arena: A Beacon of Modern Entertainment
At the heart of the £135 million Copr Bay development stands the Swansea Building Society Arena, a 3,500-capacity venue that has become a cultural cornerstone since its opening in March 2022.
Plexus FS was entrusted with installing advanced safety systems at the Arena, including voice-based fire alarms with aspiration detection, intruder alarms, access control, and a CCTV system integrated with Swansea Central Police Station.
They were also tasked with the installation of alarms and cameras within the car park, with around 350 spaces that sit underneath the venue.
“Although this was a large project, we have considerable experience in fitting these types of systems into large sports stadia, so knew the challenge that faced us, but also how to overcome the obstacles and deliver on time and on budget,” said Sales Manager Jamie Grey.
Since completing the project, Plexus FS has secured the servicing and maintenance contract to look after the systems and will work closely with operators ATG Group to ensure the safety of staff, visitors and artists for years to come.
Revitalising 71/72 Kingsway
The transformation of 71/72 Kingsway into a modern business hub is a testament to Swansea’s forward-thinking urban planning.
The site has been home to a range of businesses over the years, including a dancehall, supermarket, cinema and in recent times, Oceana and Ritzy’s nightclubs.
It has now been reimagined as a contemporary workspace for tech and creative industries with space for 600 jobs, balconies overlooking the city centre and Swansea Bay, integration with smart city technology, and more.
Plexus FS contributed to the project by implementing a comprehensive suite of systems, including:
- Fire & Life Safety
- Intruder Alarm
- CCTV
- Access Control
- Intercom
- Door Automation
This project enabled Plexus FS to demonstrate the breadth of the services they offer, ensuring the safety of future occupants and reinforcing the city’s commitment to creating secure, state-of-the-art workspaces.
Restoring the Historic Palace Theatre
The iconic Palace Theatre building, a symbol of Swansea’s rich heritage, has been meticulously restored to its former glory.
This Grade II-listed building was built in 1888 as a traditional music hall, however, thanks to the vision of the council-led design team and leaseholders Tramshed Tech, the venue is now a modern co-working and office space that retains many of the original features of the original building.
Working through Whitehead Building Services, Plexus FS played a key role in this project, installing bespoke solutions that balance the need for modern safety with the preservation of the theatre’s historic charm.
Systems installed include:
- Fire Alarm
- Disabled Refuge
- Intruder Alarm
- Access Control
- CCTV
With the development team keen to preserve as much of the original architecture and Victorian features as possible, knowledge and experience of working on a listed building was vital, as Jamie Grey explained.
“We have worked on a huge range of listed buildings over the years,” said Jamie, “so understand the delicate environment in which we are operating and the need for specific methods of installing systems to keep people safe, but in a manner that is non-destructive and maintains a set aesthetic.”
Penderyn Distillery: A Toast to Safety
One of Wales’ most prestigious whisky brands, Penderyn, expanded its operations with a new distillery in Swansea, which they officially opened in July 2023.
Working through RDM Electrical & Mechanical Services, Plexus FS was responsible for ensuring the facility’s fire safety by designing and installing cutting-edge alarm and security systems to protect one of the city’s newest attractions.
Located on the site of the former Hafod Morfa Copperworks, opposite the Swansea.com Stadium, the new Swansea distillery included a visitor centre, shop, tasting bar, exhibition space, offices and VIP area, along with a barrel maturation store, all of which are protected by systems installed by the Plexus FS team.
“We are proud to have been involved in this landmark project,” said Jamie Grey. “The facility is a perfect blend of heritage and modern design, and we are delighted to have been part of the team that transformed this historic building.”
Ongoing Projects: Y Storfa and Biophilic
Plexus FS continues to be at the forefront of Swansea’s regeneration, actively working on two major upcoming projects.
Y Storfa, the new community services hub at the former BHS unit on Oxford Street, will provide a vital support network for residents as well as agile accommodation for third-sector organisations, public sector bodies and private sector companies that endorse the ethos of a community hub.
It will become home to the city’s main public library and children’s library and will house the West Glamorgan Archive Service alongside the council’s revenues and benefits service, the council customer service centre, Careers Wales’ Swansea Working Wales, and Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot. Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library is also set to move there.
The other project is Biophilic Living, a ground-breaking eco-friendly development set to redefine sustainable living in the city.
Located at Picton Yard Swansea (previously the site of Woolworths), it represents a radical new approach to living and working in the urban environment.
The project is a mixed-use development, providing affordable new homes and workspace alongside a community urban farm in the heart of Swansea City Centre.
For both projects, Plexus FS is delivering state-of-the-art systems to ensure a secure and functional environment.
A Local Business with a Lasting Impact
For Plexus FS, the opportunity to contribute to Swansea’s regeneration is more than just business, it’s a matter of pride as Ross Adams, managing director and Swansea-born businessman, reflects on his company’s role in the city’s transformation:
“As someone who grew up in Swansea, it means a lot to see our company playing a part in these landmark projects. We are proud to be helping shape the future of our home city, ensuring these developments are not only cutting-edge but also safe and secure for generations to come.”
As Swansea continues its journey of regeneration, the involvement of local businesses like Plexus FS ensures that expertise, investment, and opportunities remain within the community.
With each new development, the city is not just building for the future, it is laying the foundations for a safer, stronger Swansea, powered by the people who call it home.
