Some of Swansea’s most senior politicians have toured a regeneration scheme set to be a new attraction for a leading Welsh business.
The council’s regeneration of the Hafod-Morfa Copperworks is well underway and will soon be handed over to drinks specialists Penderyn.
Restored buildings and new neighbouring structures delighted Swansea Council cabinet members who were shown around.
The site is being revamped by Swansea firm John Weaver Contractors on behalf of the council.
Cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “”This initiative is going to be a big boost for our work on regenerating this part of the Lower Swansea Valley.”
Cabinet member Elliott King said: “Other parts of the Lower Swansea Valley were, only 60 years ago, a post-industrial wasteland. They’re now full of business, shopping and leisure opportunities for Swansea people – Penderyn will add to that.”
Work continues on the copperworks site that’s due to become a new visitor attraction for Penderyn Whisky next year.
The council scheme will bring new life to the historic site’s powerhouse and outbuildings. An on-site distillery will add to the company’s existing facilities.
The work has been made possible thanks to a £3.75m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales.
Council leader Rob Stewart said: “We’re protecting our heritage for future generations and it’s great to see the restoration of this historic copperworks site leading the regeneration of the lower River Tawe corridor.”
The council secured the National Lottery Heritage Fund grant for the expansive Hafod-Morfa site’s transformation work, with additional works to other historical buildings in the vicinity supported by Welsh Government Regeneration funding.
The council worked with partners – including Penderyn and Swansea University – to create the National Lottery Heritage Fund bid.
The council made a series of policy commitments in June to deliver support – in the subsequent 100 days – to communities that will make a real difference to people’s lives. Continuing to redevelop the copperworks site was one of those commitments.
