UWTSD celebrates HQ Urban Kitchen with special launch

HQ Urban Kitchen is a brand-new coffee, kitchen, bar, and event space located in the heart of Swansea’s Creative Quarter. It is situated next to the Alex Building at University of Wales Trinity Saint David and is already proving popular with students and staff.

The launch event took place with Julie James, Minster for Climate Change and Member of the Senedd for Swansea West, along with Professor Ian Walsh, Provost of UWTSD’s Swansea and Cardiff campuses officially opening the venue.

HQ Urban Kitchen is open Monday to Saturday and offers high quality snacks and meals including vegan and gluten free options to eat in or takeaway. It has dedicated workstations, hi-speed broadband and sockets making it an ideal alternative to working from home. Because it is a large space, it is perfect for events and meetings. Plus, there is a spacious courtyard to eat outside.

The venue is the latest project from Urban Foundry. They are Swansea’s first accredited BCorp and a purpose-driven company that seeks to change the world for the better by improving people’s lives, making great places, and building businesses with purpose. They are the company behind Uplands Market, PopUp Wales, and Swansea Library of Things.

Dr Ben Reynolds, Director of Urban Foundry said: “We are so excited about HQ Urban Kitchen. The whole team is passionate about sustainability, and we have embedded that in every aspect of the venue. In addition to being a social enterprise and a Living Wage employer, we are committed to our community and try to ensure everything we produce uses local ingredients and is low waste. The project is part of our wider PopUpWales initiative, which is funded by Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns funding delivered through Swansea Council; it seeks to bring life to empty spaces. We are really pleased with how the daytime activity is building and I am excited to announce that we will be opening in the evenings from Wednesday 18^th May, with several pop-up events planned. I am grateful to UWTSD for collaborating with us and I look forward to seeing how we can work together and offer opportunities to the students.”

Julie James said, “HQ Urban Kitchen is another brilliant project set up by Urban Foundry and is a safe and inclusive venue that offers delicious food using fresh and local ingredients. I wish Ben Reynolds and his team all the very best on another amazing project that supports our communities.”

Professor Ian Walsh said, “HQ Urban Kitchen is a fantastic addition to UWTSD’s Swansea Campus. It is perfect for students and staff, and offers a welcoming space to work or socialise in. I am extremely impressed with what Ben and the team have achieved. You are guaranteed a warm welcome when you visit, and I am looking forward to buying my lunch there regularly!”

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “This is not just a new place for people to come to meet each other and for a bite to eat in Swansea. It is a place which will offer people jobs and training. Urban Foundry’s projects have an ambition to improve people’s lives, make great places and to build businesses with purpose. I hope you have a great day and I wish you all the best for a successful future.”

HQ Urban Kitchen is located at Llys Glas (Old Police Station), Orchard Street, Swansea SA1 5AJ.

1. hqurbankitchen.co.uk

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Further Information

Rebecca Davies

Swyddog Gweithredol Cysylltiadau â’r Wasg a’r Cyfryngau

Executive Press and Media Relations Officer

Cyfathrebu Corfforaethol a Chysylltiadau Cyhoeddus

Corporate Communications and PR

Mobile: 07384 467071

Email: Rebecca.Davies@uwtsd.ac.uk