We were over the moon to see such a big turnout for the official opening of Urban HQ – probably one of our most ambitious projects to date! Guests from across the business, creative and public sectors joined us to celebrate the transformation of the former central police station on Orchard Street, Swansea City Centre into a vibrant creative hub.
From pop-up café to permanent home
Urban HQ has come a long way from its beginnings as a small pop-up café through our PopUp Wales programme, which has now delivered almost 100 meanwhile spaces across South Wales.
Every project we run starts with the same principle – that great places can grow from simple ideas when you bring people together.
Thanks to investment from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, delivered through Swansea Council, we were able to take what began as a temporary project and turn it into something sustainable.
The building now offers beautifully designed workspaces, private offices, meeting rooms and event spaces, all designed to spark creativity, connection and collaboration.
Downstairs, the café has already become a much-loved favourite – serving fresh, locally sourced food in a space that welcomes everyone. It reflects our wider approach: supporting local people, paying the Real Living Wage, and creating places that are good for the community as well as the economy.
A partnership approach
Swansea Council Leader Cllr Rob Stewart, pictured with Urban Foundry Directors Dr. Ben Reynolds and Tara Tarapetian
Guests at the open morning enjoyed coffee, pastries and tours of the building before hearing from Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, who officially opened the venue.
“When I became Leader 11 years ago, one of the first people I met was Ben, and I’ve been a big fan ever since of what he and Urban Foundry have been doing,” said Cllr Stewart.
“You need people with vision who are prepared to get things done, and I couldn’t be prouder of the partnership we’ve built. Urban HQ is about creating opportunities for businesses and ideas to grow. It gives people the space and support they need to develop their businesses, grow their ideas, and make Swansea thrive.”
A space to connect and create
Visitors explored The Idris Room, The Courtroom and The Courtyard Garden, meeting others who share our belief that regeneration should be people-led and values-driven.
Naomi Webborn, Head of Marketing at Dawsons Estate Agents, said:
“Thank you for showing us around Urban HQ today – a space that captures everything that makes our city special: collaboration, creativity and community. Today’s event was a brilliant reminder of what can happen when businesses and people come together to share ideas and spaces.”
Swansea-born singer-songwriter and Grand Ambition Co-Director, Steve Balsamo, added:
“The design is fabulous and spaces like this are essential for a creative city like Swansea. Grand Ambition has already benefited from the Urban HQ team’s business training and support, and I’m excited to see what grows here.”
Creating places with purpose
Urban Foundry’s Director, Ben Reynolds, said:
“Urban HQ is the culmination of years of testing, learning and partnership through projects like PopUp Wales. We’ve shown that meanwhile spaces can become long-term catalysts for regeneration. Thanks to Swansea Council’s support, we’ve been able to bring a landmark building back to life and create a place where good ideas and good people can grow together.”
Urban HQ reflects what we stand for at Urban Foundry – creating places with purpose, where collaboration, community and creativity come together to make cities fairer, greener and more vibrant.
Urban HQ is now open for café visitors, workspace enquiries and event bookings. Find out more at www.urbanhq.co.uk
