A long-standing Welsh building and civil engineering company has been selected to help bring new life to three historic Swansea structures.
South Wales-based Andrew Scott Ltd plans to start work on site this year in a Swansea Council scheme to transform the Vivian and Musgrave Engine Houses, and the V&S No.1 Locomotive shed.
Over the coming few months, the company will lead on the final stages of design for the project, on the site of the former Hafod-Morfa Copperworks.
Andrew Scott – which dates back more than 150 years and has worked on a wide range of projects – was selected in a competitive tender process.
Council leader Rob Stewart said: “We’re delighted to have Andrew Scott on board for the exciting transformation of these copperworks buildings.
“This is an exciting time for that area as we and others plan to invest tens of millions of pounds there.”
A planning application for a major outdoor leisure destination by world-class operator Skyline has been approved for land close to the engine sheds and on Kilvey Hill.
Mark Bowen, managing director of Andrew Scott Ltd, said: “As one of Wales’s oldest independent construction companies, we’re proud to be working alongside Swansea Council on the Lower Swansea Valley project to restore and transform key parts of the historic Hafod-Morfa Copperworks.”
The engine houses form an integral part of Swansea’s industrial heritage. The council wants to bring them back into use to bring pleasure to thousands and new opportunities.
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.
The plan now is to redevelop and restore buildings for new uses and to improve access to them.
Andrew Scott will make the V&S No.1 Locomotive Shed, a listed building that served the copperworks, safe and watertight. It’s currently dilapidated.
The engine houses – both listed buildings – will, in future, be suitable for a range of uses, including restaurants and cafes, exhibition-style space and shops.
The council saved the two engine houses from ongoing decay several years ago. A new river pontoon was added nearby.
