The transformation of a boarded-up former electrical shop near one of Swansea’s best-loved parks is turning heads.
The store, close to the entrance to Brynmill Park, has been turned into a café that’s become a welcoming gathering place for local people.
To seal its place in peoples’ memories, there’s a huge mural of flying ducks on the new-look building.
The building, owned by Swansea-based property developer Peter Loosmore is being operated as the Duck & Dough café and community hub by proprietor Max Freitas. Upstairs, there’s new residential accommodation.
The transformation was supported through Swansea Council’s Transforming County Anchor Placemaking Grant which is funded by the UK Government through its Shared Prosperity Fund.
The support provides a co-ordinated package of grant funding opportunities, available across the whole county of Swansea, including for areas outside the city centre.
Peter Loosmore said: “We considered converting the entire building into residential space – but losing the commercial space didn’t feel right for this location.
“We thought there’d be demand for a cafe, given the high residential and student population nearby.”
Thanks to the support of the council’s placemaking team, the development retained its community-focused vision.
Mr Loosmore praised the team’s assistance throughout the process, particularly in helping to preserve the character of the building.
He said: “Our proposals for a new shopfront and full upgrade of the space were well received. We’ve retained the character of the doorway while modernising the overall look.”
The new Marlborough Road commercial space found its ideal tenant in Duck & Dough, a Swansea-based bakery and coffee shop owned by Mr Freitas, who lives nearby. Mr Freitas specialises in making Portuguese-style pastel de natas and serving coffee and other drinks.
Max Freitas said: “I’m delighted to have taken this opportunity to run a new business that’s bringing pleasure – and a warm welcome – to local people.”
Mr Loosmore described the match as “perfect” for the community, noting that supporting local businesses was a key priority in the project.
He said: “Max’s passion for homemade bakes and coffee aligns perfectly with what we wanted for this space – a local business that serves the community.”
Mr Loosmore also highlighted the unique and creative touch added to the property’s exterior. His wife, Natalie came up with the idea of incorporating duck motifs, inspired by family visits to Brynmill Park.
The concept was brought to life by Swansea-based Fresh Creative, and the result has been a hit with locals.
Mr Loosmore said: “The feedback about the new shopfront, the ducks and the overall transformation has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Max even named the shop Duck & Dough in honour of the design.”
Robert Francis-Davies, the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said the Brynmill project was a perfect example of how our Transforming County Anchor placemaking grant can make a difference in city communities.
He said: “It stands as a testament to the positive impact of grants like these. It’s not just city centre schemes that can benefit.
“This development shows how even small projects can make a big difference to the local community.”
Duck & Dough is now open and serving the local community, marking another success in Swansea’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its town spaces and support local businesses.
