A new approach to engagement
Julie Gosney, Partnership & Involvement Team Manager, and Rhys Thomas, Community Engagement Transformation Lead, both from Swansea Council, manage The Collaboration Station at the National Waterfront Museum.
This has been an excellent base for drop-ins and meetings; however, it isn’t suitable for hands-on activities or delivering services directly to the community. Recognising the limitations of The Collaboration Station, Julie and Rhys wanted a more dynamic, collaborative approach that could better address the emerging challenges in Swansea’s City Centre.
They needed a central space where activities could be arranged and where people felt encouraged to engage and participate.
Breaking down silos
Swansea is home to multiple organisations dedicated to supporting marginalised groups, young people, and individuals experiencing loneliness. However, these organisations often worked in isolation. Julie and Rhys saw an opportunity to break down these silos, bringing together a wide range of partners to address the growing concerns in the City Centre, particularly around social isolation and community engagement. The goal was to create a unified, collaborative effort that would encourage early intervention and shared resources.
The launch of City Chill events
To bring their idea to life, Julie and Rhys needed a suitable space. Swansea Council’s Regeneration Team and PopUp Wales offered to help through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, securing the former Crane’s Music Store in the heart of Swansea City Centre. This centrally located, multipurpose space, complete with an urban green area, was perfect for hosting a wide variety of activities that could engage the community in meaningful ways.
The City Chill events, that ran throughout the Summer, were launched as a platform to engage the community through creative workshops and practical sessions. These included activities such as tie-dying, badge making, guitar lessons, jewellery making, upcycling workshops, bike maintenance, crime prevention, and more. This was in addition to sharing useful information and signposting.
A lasting transformation
The City Chill events quickly evolved beyond their initial goals. The space became a hub where different community members, including lonely people, the homeless, and prison leavers, could access support, information and engage in positive activities. This initiative grew larger than anticipated, with many groups actively participating.
Rhys Thomas said, “We saw an opportunity to change the way we engage with the community. Moving away from formal structures, we wanted to build trust and collaboration across different groups. The idea was to create a collective approach, and from that initial idea, it has grown into so much more.”
One of the most significant impacts has been the intergenerational engagement, where members of the Aging Well programme have connected with younger participants, encouraging understanding and collaboration across age groups.
A lasting impact on Swansea
The success of the City Chill events has also informed broader urban regeneration efforts. For example, the Urban Splash consultation that was happening in the same space has benefited from insights gained through the events, particularly regarding the use of urban green spaces and how they can serve multiple purposes in the City Centre. The play provision introduced by City Chill has shown how such spaces can encourage interaction and bring diverse groups together.
Julie Gosney said, “This project has redefined what’s possible when groups collaborate. It’s not just about addressing one issue – it’s about building a stronger, more connected community. The City Centre is in need of wider support and face-to-face provision from the Council and its partners to address these evident issues that have emerged every week. The biggest impact is that it became so much more than addressing social challenges. It has identified a real need from multiple groups and shown what can be achieved when people come together, and demonstrated how, collectively, so much more can be accomplished.”
The Swansea Council Community Engagement team will continue to use the space in October for more face-to-face provision in Swansea City Centre.
The space will also be actively supporting local businesses. Retail opportunities are available through market pods, accommodating up to 12 retailers at a time. The space features a creative zone equipped with a screen for films, galleries, presentations, and a podcast area. It’s an ideal setting for test trading, developing a business, or exploring a new idea.
Partners involved
This initiative brought together a wide group of partners, including:
South Wales Police, CMET (Community Multidisciplinary Team), Swansea Arena, Evolve, Mioe Creative Productions, Gower College, SYJS (Swansea Young Justice Service), LC2, The Collaboration Station, Swansea Council, Foster Wales, Swansea Bay University Health Board Violence Prevention Team, BAROD (Substance Misuse Service), Swansea City Foundation, Swansea MAD, Platform, MIND Cymru, City Centre Rangers, Papyrus (Prevention of Young Suicide), Swansea Libraries.
About PopUp Wales
PopUp Wales transforms empty units into vibrant spaces that benefit small businesses, start-ups, and the local community. By working closely with local authorities and landlords, they breathe new life into town centres, creating environments where people can come together, support each other, and grow new businesses. Their collaboration with Swansea Council on ventures like the Employment Hub, HQ Urban Kitchen, and Dementia Hwb has already seen great success, with the City Chill events being a standout example of their impact.
For more information about The Collaboration Station or the City Chill Events, contact Rhys.Thomas@swansea.gov.uk
The Collaboration Station, National Waterfront Museum, Swansea Marina SA1 3RD
