The new clock – on a tower overlooking the former Hafod-Morfa Copperworks – has been activated.
It’s a useful and attractive new addition to the Lower Swansea Valley landscape and will be seen by tens of thousands of people every week.
The clock tower is on the copperworks’ former powerhouse building that – thanks to a Swansea Council regeneration scheme – will soon be an additional base for world-class Welsh drinks brand Penderyn.
The site is being revamped by Swansea firm John Weaver Contractors on behalf of the council.
Council leader Rob Stewart said: “It’s wonderful to see a new clock up and running on this very special old building – the tower will become an iconic new landmark for this site.”
Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “It’s great to see the restoration of the historic copperworks site leading the regeneration of the Lower Tawe Valley.”
Penderyn Distillery chief operating officer Neil Quigley said: “We’re delighted to see the clock tower in operation again and can’t wait to welcome visitors to the site, once our doors are open.”
Thomas Henderson, chairman of volunteer group the Friends of Hafod-Morfa Copperworks, said: “Hearing the clock chime for the first time was a huge moment, a heartbeat woken from a deep slumber. It reaffirms the sense that this globally important centre of industry lives again.”
Dr Alex Langlands, a senior lecturer in history and heritage at project partner Swansea University, said: “This beautifully refurbished clock tower is a timely reminder of our proud industrial heritage.”
Joan Tamlyn, business development manager, of Weavers, said: “We’re proud to be part of this prestigious heritage and regeneration project for Swansea.”
Work continues and the site will become a new visitor attraction for Penderyn next year.
The work has been made possible thanks to a £4m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales, and £500,000 from Welsh Government.
Construction at the copperworks began in summer 2020 as part of the city’s £1bn regeneration programme.
