‘Wall of Kindness’ helps pass on clothing to those in need

Bouygues UK have installed a ‘wall of kindness’ at its 71/72 Kingsway site in Swansea to help provide those in need with warm clothing.

Located on the site hoarding on Oxford Street, the wall of kindness allows people to leave clothing they no longer want which can then be used by those in need. Pegs attached to the wall give passers by the opportunity to take or leave coats and other items of clothing.

With a tough winter of cold temperatures, storms and torrential rain, the wall has so far provided more than 30 items for those who cannot afford to buy their own. It was the brainchild of Building Services Manager Mark Crouch and it is the first time Bouygues UK has implemented it at one of their sites.

Mark said: “I have never seen this done at a site I have worked on before. I put the idea forward to our Social Value team and together we came up with our very successful wall. As soon as we place coats on the wall they are taken by those in need and it really has been a success. It has been great to see how welcomed is has been by everyone in the city centre.”

Business Growth and Social Value Director at Bouygues UK, Leigh Hughes, added: “When Mark approached my team suggesting a wall of kindness on our hoarding around the site, we thought it was a great idea. This is the only such wall in Swansea City Centre at the moment and is being used frequently by those in need of some warm clothing over the winter period.

“Mark’s initiative aligns perfectly with our social value agenda at Bouygues UK and as part of the community-engagement plan we are rolling out at 71/72 Kingsway. It’s great that he came to us with the idea and that we were able to implement the scheme so quickly. We look forward to introducing more walls of kindness around our Bouygues UK sites.”

The 71/72 Kingsway development was once the home of Oceana, and it forms a key part of Swansea Council’s wider sustainability strategy and includes some innovative features to ensure it is carbon zero in operation.

The project is being part-funded by the £1.3bn Swansea Bay City Deal and supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.

As well as 114,000 square feet of commercial floor space featuring flexible co-working and networking opportunities, a new link between Oxford Street and The Kingsway will also be constructed. Completion of construction is anticipated in early 2024.