Large-scale artwork celebrates greener future for city centre landmark
A SWANSEA artist has helped transform a major city centre building site into a vibrant celebration of the area’s greener future.
Hasan Kamil has teamed up with local firm Oner Signs to design and install a striking large-scale artwork at the Castle Square Gardens development in Swansea.
The 15m by 2m digitally composed, collage-style piece now stretches across safety hoardings at the junction of Princess Way and Temple Street, near the new community services hub Y Storfa.
The artwork depicts bees, birds and butterflies alongside lush greenery – reflecting the vision for a more welcoming, nature-rich Castle Square Gardens once works are complete. Elements of the area’s built heritage and community life are also woven into the colourful design.
Behind the hoardings, contractor Knights Brown is preparing to begin the main phase of the transformation, following detailed preparatory works.
Council leader Rob Stewart praised the collaboration, describing Hasan and Oner Signs as “high-quality local operators” who understand the importance of the site to Swansea residents.
“Our greener, more people-friendly Castle Square Gardens will be a vital element in our ongoing £1bn regeneration programme for Swansea,” he said. “It will be a modern, functional and well-maintained public space capable of hosting a wide range of events and cultural experiences.”
Elliott King, the council’s cabinet member for culture, human rights and equalities, said the artwork had already improved the look and feel of the area.
“This excellent new public art transforms the visual impact of a construction site, brightens the streets and makes the city centre a more pleasant place to visit,” he said. “It showcases local artistic excellence and inspires positivity. We intend to install public art on other development site hoardings in future.”
Mr Kamil, who was born and raised in Swansea, said he was proud to contribute to the city’s changing landscape.
“I’m delighted to contribute to the streetscape in a way that reflects the exciting, greener future of Castle Square Gardens,” he said.
He was commissioned following a competitive process inviting experienced artists to submit proposals. His previous work includes commissions for Swansea City AFC, Swansea University and Olchfa School.
Ronny Oner, of Oner Signs, said the firm was pleased to play its part in the project. Established 30 years ago and based in Swansea city centre, the company offers integrated sign, design, print, graffiti and mural services.
“It’s great to have been involved in this public art project that helps illustrate how our city centre is evolving – and how Swansea is full of creative talent,” he said.
The wider Castle Square Gardens scheme aims to revitalise what has long been seen as a tired-looking part of the city centre. Plans include two new pavilion buildings for food, drink or retail – one featuring an accessible green roof – alongside a significant increase in greenery, with lawns and biodiverse planting designed to create 40 per cent green space.
Other features will include a new interactive water feature, a giant outdoor screen above a bandstand-style structure, additional seating, improved lighting and new paving.
The existing leaf boat sculpture has been removed for safe storage while discussions continue with the sculptor and partners about a suitable new location in Swansea, with Cwmdonkin Park among the options being considered.
The project complements other major regeneration schemes including Y Storfa, 71/72 The Kingsway and the Swansea Building Society Arena. Nearby private sector developments include new homes and commercial premises at the former Castle Cinema site and in the McDonald’s building.
Plans for the scheme were drawn up in partnership with development manager Spider Projects, architects Acme, structural specialists Civic Engineers and planning consultants Savills.
Costs, including the artwork, have been met largely through council funding and a Welsh Government Transforming Towns grant.
Safety hoardings are now in place around the site, but pedestrian access remains open on surrounding streets, with roads and businesses continuing to operate as normal.
