There are many innovative, successful and exciting projects in Swansea involving the restoration and use of historic buildings and heritage sites. These include...
Hafod Morfa Copperworks: once the global centre of the copper industry, this important site is now the focus of an innovative heritage-led regeneration project. Over recent years, a collaboration between Swansea University and the local authority has resulted in several community engagement events, access improvements and site interpretation.
Website: www.hafodmorfacopperworks.com
Website: www.hafodmorfacopperworks.com
Penllergare Valley Woods: a beautiful former parkland and gardens, created by John Dillwyn Llewelyn, the famous local horticulturalist and pioneering photographer, as part of his private estate. The Grade II registered landscape includes a rich variety of trees, shrubs and exotic plants, two lakes and a waterfall. The site also includes the remains of a walled kitchen garden and the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Wales. The site restoration project is being managed by the Penllergare Trust.
Website: www.penllergare.org
Website: www.penllergare.org
Clyne Valley Community Project (CVCP): The CVCP is a grass roots project that has grown out of community concern that the Clyne Valley, a part of our heritage, should be nurtured. The Valley can offer so much in terms of activities, educational facilities, and just free fun: right on our doorstep. Helping to deliver that is what CVCP volunteers are about.
Website: http://www.clynevalleycommunityproject.co.uk/
Website: http://www.clynevalleycommunityproject.co.uk/
The Environment Centre: the converted Old Telephone Exchange is a wonderful Edwardian red brick building within the historic Maritime Quarter of Swansea. The building had become derelict but was totally refurbished when the Centre was established in 1994/5 with several key features retained, including a majestic wooden staircase.
Website: www.environmentcentre.org.uk
Website: www.environmentcentre.org.uk
Ty Tom Jones and Llys Glas: the listed 19th century façade of the former Working Men's Club on Alexander Road in Swansea was conserved when the property was redeveloped by Gwalia into a Foyer. It is now a modern, environmentally-friendly building with flats, training rooms, offices and recreational facilities built around a central ‘street’ communal space. The Llys Glas development, in the Old Central Police Station on the opposite side of the road, has become a multifunctional creative community hub with student accommodation, exhibition space, offices and the Tapestri cafe bar.
Websites: www.gwalia.wales/foyers and www.tapestri.co.uk
Websites: www.gwalia.wales/foyers and www.tapestri.co.uk