71|72 Kingsway

120,000 sq ft of new-build workspace, meeting/conferencing spaces, and public uses.

71|72 is one of ten projects under the Swansea Bay City Deal, a partnership between the Welsh Government and Swansea Council to bring new prosperity to the city and county. The development was commissioned to provide high-quality, tech-focused workspace that would attract employment back to the city centre, and stimulate footfall and vitality amid declining retail and leisure activity. With office rents in Swansea at around £12 per square foot, reflecting the limited quality of available space, the city was unattractive for private sector-led development.

From the outset, the project aimed to challenge expectations of both what workspace in Swansea could offer and what a council-led development could achieve. A multi-disciplinary team led by WSP was appointed to deliver circa 120,000sq.ft. of flexible, multi-tenanted workspace, alongside publicly accessible amenities, landscaped areas, and a distinctive identity to attract occupiers from across the region and beyond.

The site, formerly the Oceana nightclub, presented challenges including an open two-storey basement to integrate and a location between two major thoroughfares. This prompted the creation of a new pedestrian route and courtyard to enhance connectivity and public realm.

Innovation was embedded throughout the project. All-electric HVAC systems with air-source heat pumps, MVHR with mixed-mode capability, and rooftop photovoltaic panels achieve EPC A18 and net zero-carbon operation. Openable windows, external terraces, touchless controls, and SUDS via a blue roof and soft landscaping provide resilience to future health and climate challenges. BREEAM Excellent, Wired Platinum, and Urban Green Factor 0.3 targets were achieved while maintaining flexibility, comfort, and wellbeing for occupants.

71|72 demonstrates how strategic public-sector intervention, innovative design, and integrated sustainability can deliver a workspace that is both commercially attractive and economically transformative, helping revitalise the city centre while inspiring confidence in the wider market.

00 are also working with Swansea City Council on the refurbishment of an adjacent vacant building. See Barclays Building for more information.

 
 

71|72 demonstrates a strong commitment to delivering value for money while achieving high-quality, sustainable, and socially beneficial outcomes. The building’s exceptionally efficient layouts, circa 85% net-to-gross for office floors and 75% for other areas, maximise useable space, which has enabled rent affordability for tenants and reallocation of budget to provide generous public amenities, terraces, and community-focused facilities.

Social value was embedded in the project, delivering benefits across multiple stakeholders. The development prioritised local supply chains, created 119 full-time equivalent construction roles, engaged 18 apprentices, and offered employment opportunities for long-term unemployed individuals. Post-completion, the building accommodates up to 600 roles in the tech, digital, and creative sectors. Community initiatives included school visits, laptop donations, winter coat collections, and support for local charities, reinforcing the building’s civic value.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

From the outset, 71|72 was conceived to deliver a flexible, multi-occupancy workspace that could respond to the evolving needs of businesses, academia, and the wider community. Prior to WS2 Concept Design, extensive stakeholder engagement and visioning exercises transformed the original brief from a traditional small business centre into a diverse “Digital Village” ecosystem. The design accommodates mature businesses from outside the city, growing local enterprises, start-ups, and public sector partners, fostering collaboration and innovation across sectors.

The existing two-storey basement was developed to host complementary uses, including events, meetings, and conferencing, with a black-box venue providing maximum flexibility. The ground floor maximises public engagement, featuring a north-south pedestrian route, exhibition and lecture spaces, a café, and a dedicated public lift providing direct access to rooftop terraces.

Upper office floors feature a central lift core and twin escape stairs, enabling subdivision into multiple tenancies. Flat slab construction and raised access floors allow simple service installation and reconfiguration. Exposed high-level, water-based VRF distribution for heating & targeted cooling, and a fully addressable lighting system further support flexibility and operational efficiency.

Direct access to external terraces and landscaped areas was prioritised on all floors, enhancing wellbeing, connectivity, and adaptability. Post-pandemic enhancements include touchless taps, flushes, lift controls, and antibacterial ironmongery, ensuring hygiene and resilience.

71|72 demonstrates how thoughtful design can balance multi-occupancy, future flexibility, and quality of experience. By combining adaptable workspaces with integrated public amenities, external terraces, and robust health and wellbeing measures, the building sets a benchmark for operational, human-centred workplaces that can evolve with changing organisational and business needs.

 
 
BuildingsGuest UserSwansea, Workspace