Work is underway to bring a Swansea landmark back to life.
The Albert Hall on Cradock Street has been empty since 2007, when it last functioned as a bingo hall.
Plans to restore the 157-year-old building were announced in 2021, with developers Loft Co, who have been responsible for the development of The Tramshed in Cardiff and J-Shed in Swansea, planning an 800-capacity entertainment venue, Depot Swansea, as well as new spaces for lifestyle businesses & offices.
READ MORE: New bands and micro-festival announced for 'housewarming' party at Swansea Arena
And new images reveal what the property is likely to look like when work is completed.
Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said: "Today is yet another milestone as we work to secure the city’s heritage. Other heritage sites also being saved for future generations include the Palace Theatre building & the Hafod -Morfa Copperworks Powerhouse.
"The Kingsway has been transformed into a green, people-friendly location, nearby Wind Street has been improved to encourage all-day hospitality, there are plans to revamp Castle Square with new cafes & greenery, and Swansea Arena is weeks from opening as part of Copr Bay Swansea".
The Albert Hall opened in 1864 as a public assembly and concert venue known as The Music Hall, Swansea, with a 2,500 capacity.
It became the Albert Hall in 1882, and over the years hosted performances and speeches from Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, David Lloyd George and opera singer Adelina Patti.
The venue - on the corner of De-La Beche Street and Cradock Street - became a silent movie cinema in 1922, switching to talkies in 1929.
And it is said that a 14-year-old Ernie Wise met a 13-year-old Eric Bartholomew there, helping to initiate comedy partnership Morecambe and Wise.
A roof terrace will also be created of the revamped building but will be open to staff and clients of the tenanted businesses only.
The work means Cradock Street is to close temporarily, including its exit into Mansel Street, for more than a year.
A Swansea Council spokesman said: "We’re delighted to see private contractors on site on behalf of award-winning developers Loft Co.
"They plan to refurbish the historic Albert Hall as the city’s £1bn regeneration continues. The aim is to restore the 157-year-old venue to its original splendour, creating a development that’ll include 800-capacity music and entertainment venue plus new spaces for lifestyle businesses and offices.
“The Albert Hall project is significant so the contractors need swift and safe access. For that reason, and in the interests of public safety, it’s necessary to temporarily close Cradock St – including its exit into Mansel St - in part to vehicles for 12-15 months.
“Diversions along Kingsway and Christina Street are signposted. Businesses remain open and accessible as is Pell St car park, Northampton Lane and Cradock Street’s on-street parking. Mansel Street is unaffected.
“We thank motorists and businesses for their understanding.”
Get Swansea stories straight to your inbox with our SwanseaOnline newsletter.
