The idea
Urban HQ sits in the heart of Swansea City Centre, surrounded by buildings, roads and hard surfaces. The project explored how Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) could manage rainwater in a constrained urban environment while creating a greener, more attractive space for people and wildlife.
What happened
Urban Foundry worked with Swansea Council, Natural Resources Wales and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David to install a series of raingarden planters outside Urban HQ. Designed by Robert Bray Associates and installed by Natural Groundcare, the project captures rainwater directly from the building’s roof, slowing the flow into the drainage system without the need for extensive underground works.
As Urban HQ is located within the listed Llys Glas building, the project was developed in partnership with CADW and the local planning authority to ensure the raingardens complemented the site’s historic character.
Impact
The raingardens help reduce pressure on the drainage network during heavy rainfall while creating attractive planting that supports pollinators and biodiversity. They also help cool the surrounding area and provide an accessible example of green infrastructure in action for the thousands of people who visit Urban HQ each year.
As a pilot project, the scheme is helping demonstrate how similar SuDS solutions could be introduced across Swansea City Centre.
“We chose this space because it is accessible to the public, allowing people to see how raingardens work in a real city centre setting. It has been a successful project because of the expertise, commitment and collaboration of all the partners involved.”
Penny Gruffydd, Landscape & Green Infrastructure Principal Officer, Swansea Council
This project was made possible through Local Places for Nature funding from the Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales.
