Welsh Parliament’s debating chamber expanded ahead of 7 May election
Members of the Senedd, including Deeside’s Jack Sargeant and Delyn’s Hannah Blythyn, return to the Siambr debating chamber in Cardiff Bay today after a year-long redevelopment project.
The expansion prepares the chamber for 96 Members, up from 60, ahead of the election on 7 May 2026.
For the past year, Members met in a temporary debating chamber in the Tŷ Hywel building behind the Senedd.
The Siambr has been reconfigured using removable back-wall sections that were built into the original design when the building opened on 1 March 2006.
Thirty-six additional desks have been installed, internal steps removed to improve accessibility, and broadcasting and ICT systems upgraded.
Llywydd Elin Jones MS said: “This return to the Siambr marks an important milestone for our Senedd.
“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 7 May.”
Members returned to the Siambr for Plenary at 1.30pm on Tuesday, with First Minister’s Questions the first item on the agenda.
The redevelopment used Welsh oak from original Members’ desks, refurbished existing oak doors, and sourced slate from the same Welsh quarry used in the 2006 construction.
Welsh-based contractors carried out the majority of the work.
The expansion was overseen by RSHP, the architects behind the original building.
Senior Design Director Ivan Harbour 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.”
The May 2026 election will be the most significant change to Welsh devolution since the Senedd was established.
Voters will choose under a new proportional list system, with six Members representing each of 16 new constituencies.
Voters will be asked to choose one party or independent candidate, with six seats allocated proportionally from that vote.
The Senedd building holds BREEAM Excellent status.
It has received the RIBA National Award, the Civic Trust Award, and the Chicago Athenaeum International Award, and was shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling Prize.
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