The council says it is now signing heads of terms agreements with two well-known high street retailers and a leisure operator for the building, with the names of the shops and the leisure business to be announced as soon as leasing discussions are completed.
Located in the Quadrant Shopping Centre, the ground floor of the former Debenhams building will be subdivided into two units for the well-known retail tenants and the upper floors will be repurposed for the leisure operator.
Refurbishment work including re-roofing and the stripping out of fixtures and fittings is planned for this summer so the building is ready for tenant fitout from the autumn.
The news follows-on from the council purchasing the building with Welsh Government support after Debenhams went into administration.
Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “We know how important the former Debenhams building is for local people and city centre businesses.
“That’s why we’ve been working tirelessly to attract retail and leisure tenants and reach a stage where refurbishment work can take place to prepare the building for occupation once again.
“Due to open in early 2026, this will bring far more people and activity back to the Quadrant and the city centre while also creating more confidence and helping attract even more investment and jobs in future.
“It’ll also help tackle the challenges of online shopping and people heading elsewhere to shop.”
