The historical site which made Swansea a world leader that's painstakingly being restored

It's a site that once put Swansea on the world map.

The Hafod -Morfa Copperworks site was the world's largest copperworks site in the latter part of the 19th century and early 20th century, when the lower Swansea valley was the globe's leading centre for copper smelting.

But the site, a stone's throw from the Swansea.com Stadium, had remained derelict for years until Swansea Council secured a £3.75m National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to transform it.

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Construction on the site, which is due to become a new visitor attraction for Penderyn Whisky, began in summer, 2020, working within pandemic restrictions. Much of the new-build visitor centre is now up.

Cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “This work shows how seriously we take protecting our heritage for future generations. It’s great to see the restoration of the historic copperworks site leading the regeneration of the lower River Tawe corridor. Nearby heritage sites also being saved include the Palace Theatre building and the Albert Hall.”

A huge amount of work is needed on the site (John Myers)

The Swansea.com Stadium is just a stone's throw away (John Myers)

Much of the work is well advanced (John Myers)

The scheme will bring new life to the historic site’s powerhouse and outbuildings. The roof of the powerhouse, which when complete will include an on-site distillery, is well advanced.

A steel framework that will recreate the powerhouse’s original clock tower is also in the process of being erected.

The visitor centre will be linked to part of the site's historic rolling mill with a new walkway.

Much of the visitor centre has been built (John Myers)

Many original features will be retained (John Myers)

Additional works to other historical buildings in the vicinity are being paid for by Welsh Government Regeneration funding.

Council leader Rob Stewart said: “It’s wonderful to see great progress being made on site. It’ll soon be home to a visitor centre and distillery for one of Wales’ best known brands – Penderyn.” Swansea Council expects to hand the complex to Penderyn sometime this summer, with a view to it being opened in the second half of the year.

The authority worked with partners, including Penderyn Whisky and Swansea University, to bid for funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

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