A new visitor attraction at the former Hafod-Morfa Copperworks site is moving closer ahead of its proposed opening later this year.
The site, a stone's throw from the Swansea.Com Stadium, is being restored and is set to become a distillery and visitor attraction for Penderyn Distillery, which could attract up to 50,000 people a year.
The shell of a new-build Penderyn visitor centre is now up and will be linked an historic part of the site's historic rolling mill via a new walkway, where Penderyn will have a barrel store.
Plans also include a shop, tasting bar, exhibition space, offices and VIP bar in the fully refurbished grade two Listed building.
The Swansea Council scheme will bring new life to the historic site’s powerhouse and outbuildings.
Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said: “It’s great to see the restoration of this historic site leading the regeneration of the lower River Tawe corridor. It’s a demonstration of how seriously we take protecting our heritage for future generations.
“It’s wonderful to see significant progress being made on site – once complete it will be home to a visitor centre and distillery for one of Wales’ best known brands – Penderyn.”
The lower Swansea valley became the world leading centre for copper smelting in the 18th century. The Hafod -Morfa Copperworks site is of international importance, becoming the world’s largest copperworks in the latter part of the 19th century and early 20th century.
The work has been made possible thanks to a £3.75m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales, which Swansea Council bid with partners Swansea University and Penderyn Whisky.
Construction began in summer 2020 and is part of the council’s £1bn regeneration programme the authority hopes will lead the way out of pandemic.
Work has continued throughout the pandemic, with main contractor John Weaver Contractors and Hayes Engineering & Cladding, which is puting up the steel framework that will recreate the powerhouse's original clock tower.
Neil Quigley, chief operating officer of Penderyn Whisky, said: “We are pleased to be making progress on this exciting project that will provide us with essential additional distilling capacity as well as a brand new modern and contemporary visitor facility to complement our distilleries in the Brecon Beacons and Llandudno in north Wales.”
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