Plans have been unveiled for the future of three 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.
It’s all part of the council-driven £1bn regeneration of Swansea which has already seen the saving and transformation of heritage structures such as the Albert Hall.
Two planning applications have just been submitted by the council for the copperworks’ Vivian and Musgrave Engine Houses, and for the V&S No.1 Locomotive Shed. All three have listed status.
The applications state: “The engine houses form an integral part of Swansea’s industrial heritage. The council wishes to bring them back into use. Also, the council wishes to undertake restoration works to the loco shed – and eventually see it brought back into meaningful use.”
The council saved the two engine houses from ongoing decay several years ago. A river pontoon was added nearby.
The Musgrave structure was built around 1910 and contains the rare Musgrave Engine, the UK’s only one of its kind remaining in its original location.
Plans show that the engine’s external elements would have a covered shelter to enable the machinery’s future restoration.
The plans show that the Vivian Engine House, built in 1860, would feature a mezzanine floor. A new building would link the two engine houses.
The engine houses would, in future, be suitable for a range of uses, including restaurants and cafes, exhibition-style space and shops.
If the loco shed planning application was approved there’d be a restoration and reconstruction of the existing building which has become structurally damaged through its many years of disuse.
Swansea Council is working on a series of schemes in the River Tawe corridor, including these three buildings.
The schemes are being funded with £20m from the UK Government’s Levelling Up scheme. Consultants for the council’s copperworks plans are the South Wales team of widely respected Wardell Armstrong.
