Thousands of items set for relocation
The phased move will see around 21,700 boxes of documents and almost 20,700 photographs and slides carefully packed and transported from the Civic Centre to the purpose-built facility.
At Y Storfa, the collection will be stored on secure shelving stretching more than 4km in length – the equivalent of the distance from the Civic Centre to Blackpill.
Safeguarding centuries of local history
The archive, jointly run by Swansea and Neath Port Talbot Councils, holds material ranging from the 1130 foundation charter of Neath Abbey to the latest electoral registers.
Councillor Elliott King, Swansea Council’s cabinet member for culture and equalities, said the move was a “major milestone” for the much-loved service.
He added:
“Y Storfa will provide state-of-the-art storage and research facilities, ensuring that our collections are preserved and accessible for generations to come.”
Service continues during the transition
The move will begin in November with the preparation of the Civic Centre’s public searchroom.
A searchroom service will remain available there until Y Storfa opens, with full access to documents expected to resume early next year once the transfer is complete.
A new home in the heart of the city
Y Storfa, located in the former BHS building on Oxford Street, is due to open before Christmas as part of a wider community hub. Alongside the archives, it will also house Swansea Central Library, the South Wales Miners’ Library and other public services.
The new base will feature modern strongrooms built to current preservation standards, as well as shared spaces for exhibitions, workshops and collaborations with local history groups.
Looking ahead
Cllr King praised the archive team for their work in planning the complex move:
“While there may be some temporary changes to how the service operates, the long-term benefits are clear – more space, better access, and a stronger foundation for celebrating our shared heritage.”
For updates on the move and how to access services during the transition, visit: swansea.gov.uk/westglamorganarchives
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