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An iconic Swansea city centre building is already coming back to life as plans to open it to the public once again gather pace.
The former JT Morgan department store building on Belle Vue Way – which had been empty since 2008 – is now home to a community of painters, sculptors, writers, fashion designers and video editors.
All 55 new studios are fully occupied at the building following the completion of the first phase of its regeneration as part of a project led by Elysium Gallery.
As well as the studios, the first phase of work also included the installation of a new roof with solar panels, a new lift and a new power supply.
The project has been supported by Swansea Council through the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which helped fund the internal works, strip-out and roof improvements.
Additional support has come from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns scheme, the Arts Council of Wales, the Architectural Heritage Fund, and a community shares initiative.
Phase two of the former JT Morgan building’s transformation is now underway, focusing on the ground floor and basement.
When finished, it will lead to the opening of the building to the public for the first time in nearly two decades, featuring a gallery, a coffee shop, a function suite, an education centre and a quiet room. A changing places facility will also be included to support inclusive access and engagement with disabled children and adults.
The gallery will open in time for its first exhibition in June next year, featuring acclaimed artist André Stitt.
Daniel Staveley, co-founder and director of Elysium Gallery and Studios, said: “It’s vitally important to bring unused buildings back into use.
“This building has an iconic status within Swansea so seeing it being brought back to life lifts people’s positivity. It makes people feel better about the city.
“It’s great to see new buildings going up but I think it’s just as important to see old buildings redone. City centres need a mix of activities as well as offices and retail, which is where spaces like ours come in because they encourage different people to visit the city centre.”
Brian Manton, a writer with a studio in the building, said: “It’s a great facility that brings a lot of people from different creative disciplines together, which leads to collaborating with each-other.
“Having other creative people in the building definitely helps to keep me motivated.”
Jessica Honey, a fashion designer who recently moved in, said: “The new facility is fantastic. Having other creatives like artists in the same building makes it easy to find people if you are looking to collaborate.
“It’s very important to have spaces like this in the city centre. Facilities like these could lead to opportunities for creative professionals to grow their businesses and then set up by themselves in other city centre units in future to bring even more life and vitality to the area.”
Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Elysium with their ongoing work to breathe new life into the former JT Morgan building as part of a project that will complement the fantastic cultural attractions Swansea already has, including our very own Glynn Vivian Art Gallery.
“This regeneration project follows-on from major schemes that have already transformed other historic city buildings including the Palace Theatre and the Albert Hall as the council and our partners continue to work closely together to preserve and celebrate Swansea’s rich history.
“It’s one part of a regeneration programme worth over £1bn that’s unfolding to benefit local people and local businesses.”
Jayne Bryant, the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, said: “This is an impressive example of how creative regeneration can breathe new life into our towns and cities, while tackling the issue of empty buildings.
“The transformation of the former JT Morgan building reflects our commitment to supporting vibrant, inclusive communities through the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.
“It’s inspiring to see artists, designers and writers shaping the future of Swansea while honouring its past.”
Elysium’s Mansel Street and College Street studios remain open, and its High Street base continues to host live music events. Its former base on Orchard Street is now closed.
