Progress continues at Swansea’s historic copperworks site as work moves forward on plans to transform the Vivian and Musgrave Engine Houses plus a locomotive shed.
In recent months, key enabling works have begun on site, with scaffolding going up around the landmark chimneys and safety hoardings being installed to secure the area.
Contractors Andrew Scott are active on site as the latest phase of the scheme gathers pace.
The work forms part of Swansea Council’s plans to restore the listed engine houses and neighbouring V&S No.1 shed, helping bring new life to an important part of the city’s industrial heritage.
Since mid-April, activity has included site set-up, vegetation clearance, and preparations for detailed condition surveys of key structures.
A new sustainable drainage “pond” has been excavated, while initial work has started on access routes into the site.
Over the coming weeks, further visible progress is expected, including ongoing site preparation and infrastructure work.
In future, it is planned that the restored engine houses could support a range of uses such as food, retail and exhibition space, helping to attract more people to the Lower Swansea Valley.
Council leader Rob Stewart said: “It’s great to see clear progress being made on site at these iconic buildings.
“The engine houses are a key part of Swansea’s heritage, and this scheme will help bring them back into meaningful use while creating new opportunities for the area.
“The copperworks site has the potential to become a major leisure destination, building on its status as a key part of Swansea’s heritage.
“We’re pushing forward with the restoration of the Tawe River corridor, and Lower Swansea Valley Project. Penderyn are there, the historic laboratory building is being restored, and we have plans for more boating pontoons on the river.
“A new river walkway is planned, new facilities will be created along the river, and a new major tourism destination is set to open nearby.
“The Swans plan to create new experiences for fans at the stadium – so this area has a fantastic future as part of the better Swansea we’re building.
“Our £1bn regeneration of Swansea continues to gather pace.”
The project, supported by UK Government funding through its Local Regeneration Fund, forms part of a wider programme of investment along the River Tawe corridor. The project aims to boost jobs, connectivity and tourism.