Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Senedd Members are returning to their debating chamber following a year-long exile.

To prepare for the upcoming expansion of the Senedd, which comes into affect from May’s election, the Siambr has been refurbished and expanded to accommodate an extra 36 elected members.

While this work has been going on, Senedd Members have been meeting in the debating chamber at Ty Hywel, Tŷ Hywel, the red-brick building linked to the Welsh Parliament by glass walkways.

However, MSs return to the refurbished Siambr for First Minister’s Questions on Tuesday February 24.

The upgrade marks the most significant physical change to the Senedd building since it opened 20 years ago on March 1, 2006.

The Siambr has been expanded using removable back‑wall sections, that were included in the original design two decades ago.

The revamped Siambr includes 36 extra desks, upgraded broadcasting and IT systems, and improved accessibility – with all internal steps removed.

Elin Jones MS, the Senedd’s Llywydd, or speaker, said the return “marks an important milestone for our Senedd”.

She said: “Our debating chamber has been transformed to meet the needs of a larger parliament and a new era of Welsh democracy as we look ahead to the election on May 7.

“This is a building shaped around openness, sustainability and the people we serve, and the changes reflect the next chapter in our democratic journey.”

The redesign was overseen by RSHP, the architects behind the original building.

Ivan Harbour, Senior Design Director, RSHP said: “Twenty-five years ago, we set out to create an emblematic home for Welsh democracy, with the Siambr at its heart, designed to encourage the public to witness and engage with political life.

“Today, this sensitive expansion, planned for all those years ago, allows the Siambr to accommodate more Members of the Senedd while preserving its openness, transparency, and the original spirit of participation that has shaped the Senedd’s identity.”