HQ Urban Kitchen started life as the first PopUp Wales project. Launched in 2022, it transformed an abandoned space in Swansea into a busy café, quickly becoming a hub for the local community.
Urban Foundry recognised the potential of the space and used it to promote their values of sustainability, community support, and local sourcing.
New life in a historic site
Urban Foundry saw an opportunity in the underused, historic site of the former Swansea police station on Orchard Street. The challenge was to repurpose the building into a café and community space, reflecting Swansea’s creative spirit whilst supporting itself with a commercial business model.
We knew it would not be easy
This all happened in a mid to post-Covid world, where the hospitality sector faced huge challenges. Progress was slow as renovation costs increased, suppliers couldn’t keep up with demand, prices shot up, and recruiting chefs and staff became exceptionally difficult. And then we had the cost of living crisis, which for energy hungry kitchens in hospitality venues was catastrophic, particularly following on from the Covid period that had already drained everyone’s reserves.
Plus, it is in an area of Swansea that has low footfall that has declined since Covid with the previously large number of office based workers now working increasingly from home.
But we were determined to make it work!
Creating a flexible space
HQ Urban Kitchen launched as a social enterprise café with a flexible business model that stayed true to its ethical values. The café employs local staff at the Real Living Wage, follows eco-friendly practices, and supports local suppliers and artists.
It has a strong focus on sustainability, using recycled packaging and materials to reduce its environmental impact. It sources some of its ingredients and food directly from another Urban Foundry project, Uplands Market, ensuring a supply of fresh, locally-produced food.
In addition to being a café, HQ Urban Kitchen offers versatile spaces for meetings, events, and performances. From small meeting rooms to a large function room, the venue is hired by local businesses, people, and Swansea’s art community.
The menu offers seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, including separate vegan and gluten-free options. With ethical suppliers like Coaltown Coffee and a selection of organic drinks, it is a very inclusive and sustainable menu.
A growing team and business
As HQ Urban Kitchen continues to grow, it is employing more people to meet increasing demand, creating an inclusive and supportive work environment. Its success has had a ripple effect on the local economy, contributing to the growth of an area that previously had low footfall.
The café’s outdoor courtyard has become a key feature, recently improved by the addition of raingardens, a herb garden, and a vegetable plot. There’s even a bug hotel, further reflecting HQ’s commitment to sustainability and biodiversity.
Events and activities
HQ Urban Kitchen has established itself in Swansea’s cultural scene, regularly hosting busy events such as Design Swansea, Anti-Social Afterwork Drinks, Lonely Arts, and Make it Monday. This has turned it into a multi-purpose space not only for eating but for networking, creativity, and community building.
Impact and legacy
Since opening its doors, HQ Urban Kitchen has left a lasting impact on the local economy and community. Its commitment to sustainability, fair employment, and local sourcing has attracted a loyal customer base and differentiated it from competitors. The café’s success shows how thoughtful, quality design and a community-first business model can regenerate underused spaces.
Looking ahead
HQ Urban Kitchen demonstrates how the principles behind PopUp Wales can grow into a sustainable, long-term business. By merging ethical values, great food, and a commitment to community, it has developed into a dynamic, multi-use venue that supports local talent and practices.
The project highlights how innovation can transform forgotten spaces and contribute to the revitalisation of urban areas.
Laura Reynolds, HQ Urban Kitchen Manager, says:
“It’s been a challenge – we didn’t pick the easiest time to start this! We’ve made it even harder by sticking firmly to our values. Where others may have cut corners, we haven’t. We make sure that our team, suppliers, and customers are at the heart of everything we do. Our chef Fran is a foodie genius, and we are thankful for her gorgeous food every day. Being situated in Swansea’s Creative Quarter is important to us, and we’ve really become a part of it. I’ve watched HQ Urban Kitchen grow and get busier, and the overwhelmingly positive feedback from loyal customers we’ve come to know has made it all so worthwhile.”
