Marking the culmination of a remarkable transformation, and part of the council’s ongoing £1bn regeneration of the city, the project has breathed new life into a building that was previously home to the former BHS department store.
Now reimagined as Y Storfa, the building has undergone a complete structural and functional overhaul. What was once a retail space has been transformed into a modern, multi-purpose cultural and community hub designed to serve Swansea for generations to come. The scale of change is significant, not just in appearance, but in purpose. Y Storfa now houses a secure archive for historic documents, exhibition and event spaces, learning facilities and public areas that encourage education, engagement and accessibility.
As a publicly accessible building welcoming thousands of visitors each year, Y Storfa had to meet the highest standards for fire safety, security and inclusivity from day one. Protecting people, preserving sensitive materials and ensuring smooth day-to-day operation were fundamental to the project’s success. That responsibility fell to a carefully selected delivery team, with Plexus FS appointed to design and install the building’s fire, life safety and security systems as part of the wider construction programme.
As part of a wider delivery team led by Kier Construction, and working through CMB Engineering and Highadmit Projects, Plexus FS arrived on site in February 2025, with handover completed in November, ahead of the public opening on 1 December. For the Plexus FS team, led by Steve Lemon, it was another opportunity to demonstrate why the business has become a trusted partner on complex, high-profile developments across South Wales.
Fire and life safety built for a public building
As a public building welcoming thousands of visitors, Y Storfa required a robust and future-proof fire strategy. Plexus FS delivered a full L1 fire alarm system, providing maximum life protection throughout the building.
The installation included three fire alarm panels, beam detectors, aspiration detection, smoke detectors and more than 400 individual devices. This comprehensive approach ensures rapid detection and clear alerts across all areas, from public spaces to back-of-house zones.
Emergency voice control systems were also installed, with three panels serving over five locations, alongside toilet alarms to ensure accessibility and safety for all users. For facilities and health and safety managers, this level of integration provides confidence that procedures can be managed clearly in the event of an incident.
Smart access control for public and staff safety
Managing movement in a mixed-use public building is one of the biggest security challenges. Plexus FS installed a Salto access control system using fob access, carefully configured to separate public and staff-only areas.
Access is linked to the building’s lifts, ensuring only authorised users can reach certain floors. This is particularly critical for sensitive spaces such as the secure archive, where controlled access protects historic documents and valuable records.
By designing controlled access routes for both staff and visitors, Plexus FS helped ensure the building remains open and welcoming, without compromising on safety or operational control.
Intruder detection and CCTV coverage
Security systems at Y Storfa were designed to deter, detect and respond. A Grade 3 intruder alarm system was installed, complete with panic buttons to support staff safety.
CCTV coverage includes more than 50 internal and external cameras using Hanwha technology, providing clear visibility across the site. For facilities managers, this means reliable monitoring, incident review and peace of mind in a busy city centre environment.
Inclusive design with induction loops
Accessibility was a key consideration throughout the project. Plexus FS installed a mix of wired and wireless induction loops, with more than six units located across the building. These systems ensure visitors who use hearing aids can fully engage with the space, reinforcing Y Storfa’s role as an inclusive public asset.
Delivering under pressure
The installation programme was demanding, with tight deadlines and multiple systems to coordinate. Plexus FS deployed a team of 10 engineers, working long hours to ensure the project was delivered on time and to the required standard.
Steve Lemon, Project Lead at Plexus FS, said: “We are extremely proud to have played our part in another landmark Swansea project. Y Storfa is a fantastic addition to the city, and projects like this show the importance of getting fire and security right from day one. I am especially proud of our installation team, who worked tirelessly to meet challenging deadlines without compromising on quality.”
He added: “Following our work at 71/72 Kingsway, the Palace Theatre, Swansea Arena and our ongoing works at Biophilic, it is great to continue supporting the regeneration of Swansea with systems that protect people, property and the future of these buildings.”
A trusted partner for South Wales businesses
For business owners and facilities teams across South Wales, the Y Storfa project demonstrates what Plexus FS does best. From fire alarm systems and emergency voice communication to access control, CCTV, intruder alarms and induction loops, the company delivers fully integrated solutions tailored to complex environments.
For more information on any of the products and services listed in this article, please contact:
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