Plans have been approved for the future of two historic buildings that form part of Swansea’s great industrial heritage.
Swansea Council wants to save and transform the disused structures as part of its work to bring new life to the Lower Swansea Valley.
A planning application has just been approved for the copperworks’ Vivian and Musgrave Engine Houses. Both have listed status.
The engine houses would, in future, be suitable for a range of uses, including restaurants and cafes, exhibition-style space and shops.
As part of the planning process, public feedback was given on the plans.
It’s all part of the council-driven £1bn regeneration of Swansea which has already seen the saving and transformation of other heritage structures including the Palace Theatre building, Albert Hall and Hafod Morfa Copperworks powerhouse.
Council leader Rob Stewart said: “This is an exciting time for the Lower Swansea Valley as we and others plan to invest tens of millions of pounds in that area.”
The copperworks of past centuries were key to the growth of Swansea, playing a crucial role as major industry over around 300 years. The industry declined but some of its buildings and other structures remain.
Swansea Council is working on a series of schemes in the River Tawe corridor.
The schemes are being funded as part of £20m funding from the UK Government’s Levelling Up scheme.
The council’s Lower Swansea Valley project, with a close focus on the site of the copperworks, aims to result in more wealth and greater local connectivity.
