**Historic Swansea Landmark Listed for Sale in City Centre**
A significant piece of Swansea’s architectural heritage is now on the market, offering would-be buyers a rare chance to own a prominent Grade II listed building in the heart of the city. Situated at 1 Kingsway, the YMCA building stands as a testament to more than a century of local history and urban development.
Originally completed in 1913, the building has played host to a variety of organisations and businesses over the years. Its four expansive storeys currently accommodate the YMCA, a popular Indian restaurant called Desi Swaag, chain outlets including Wetherspoons and Tesco Express, Halifax bank, and a range of other commercial tenants. Its prominent location in the bustling city centre, just a 15-minute walk from Swansea’s primary railway station, further boosts its appeal for both investors and the community.
Property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton has been appointed to handle the sale, with the freehold property listed at £850,000. The building offers more than just architectural splendour; with its 19,526 square feet (approximately 1,814 square metres) of space, it is a substantial investment opportunity. Currently, the property is multi-let, generating an annual income of £155,388—a figure set to rise following a newly agreed lease with the YMCA for part of the premises after the sale is concluded. The specifics of this lease arrangement are to be finalised in discussions with potential buyers.
Architecturally, the building makes a striking impression. Described by the selling agents as a “substantial detached Grade II listed building”, it features brick external walls with ornate stone surrounds, and traditional timber-framed sash windows, which retain much of the charm and character of the Edwardian period. This architectural style is increasingly rare among today’s new developments and contributes significantly to Swansea’s cityscape.
Inside, the structure is versatile and well-appointed for a diversity of uses. The ground floor accommodates two retail units, both accessible from The Kingsway, which is one of Swansea’s key thoroughfares. Entering through the main doors, visitors encounter a welcoming hallway, gymnasium, ancillary areas, ample office space, and convenient access to both lifts and staircase—demonstrating its suitability for multiple commercial or community-facing purposes.
The first floor comprises modern office suites, a dance studio, and associated facilities, culminating in access to the Llewellyn Hall Theatre. This in-house theatre underscores the building’s ongoing cultural value to the city, providing space for community events, performances, and gatherings. Further up, the second and third floors offer additional office accommodation, ancillary spaces, and a well-equipped sports hall, illustrating the building’s flexibility for various tenants and ventures.
The area surrounding The Kingsway has seen considerable investment in recent years, with developments such as the landmark 104,000 square foot office complex at 71/72 Kingsway. These projects signal a renewed confidence in the city’s commercial and cultural prospects, in which this historic building could play a continued role under new stewardship.
Given its central location, historic status, and established rental income, this offer is likely to attract a range of investors or organisations seeking a flagship property in Swansea. The YMCA building not only encapsulates the city’s past but holds enduring potential as a multi-use community and commercial hub.
With viewings now open and discussions around future leases underway, the spotlight is on one of Swansea’s most recognisable addresses—promising both continuity and fresh opportunities for generations to come.