Archive service staff prepare for historic move to Y Storfa

A purpose-built facility in the emerging new city centre community hub will secure the future of the region's rich archival collections - and will continue to give the public access to the archive.

The move will see the relocation of around 21,700 boxes of documents and almost 20,700 photographs and slides.

At Y Storfa, the collection will be carefully stored on secure shelving that stretches over 4km, the distance from the Civic Centre to Blackpill.

The archive is a service offered by Swansea and Neath Port Talbot Councils.

Swansea cabinet member Elliott King said: "This move marks a major milestone for the much-loved West Glamorgan Archive Service.

"It's a hugely exciting time for the team there and for everyone who values our local history.

"Y Storfa will provide state-of-the-art storage and research facilities, ensuring that our collections - from the 1130 foundation charter of Neath Abbey to the latest electoral register - are preserved and accessible for generations to come."

The archive's move will take place in phases, with the service continuing to operate throughout.

Contents of the publicly-accessible searchroom are being carefully prepared for the move from the Civic Centre to Y Storfa.

A searchroom service will continue at the Civic until the day Y Storfa opens, with its larger searchroom. Full access to documents will resume early next year, once the transfer to Y Storfa is complete.

Y Storfa's new archives base will offer many benefits, including modern strongrooms built to current preservation standards and shared spaces with partners such as Swansea Central Library and the South Wales Miners' Library.

Y Storfa will enable new opportunities for collaboration, exhibitions and local history workshops.

Cllr King said: "The team has done a fantastic job planning this complex move.

"While there may be some temporary changes to how the service operates, the long-term benefits are clear - more space, better access, and a stronger foundation for celebrating our shared heritage."

Y Storfa is due to open before Christmas in Oxford Street's former BHS building. It will be home to a number of publicly-accessible services managed by the council and others.

Photo: West Glamorgan Archive Service staff prepare for their big move.