Swansea's historic Palace Theatre ready for revamp
Construction specialists are working hard to prepare a historic Swansea building for a smart new look – and a new life.
Last updated 27th Nov 2023
Construction is in full swing at Swansea City Centre's Palace Theatre building, getting it ready for a dramatic but sensitive overhaul in the coming two years.
The structure was built in 1888 and, in its long history, has undergone a series of interior makeovers resulting in a complex rabbit warren with steep, winding staircases and numerous spaces of different shapes and sizes.
The challenges for those now in the early stages of rescuing the building are intensified by the structure’s derelict state after almost two decades of disuse.
Swansea Council plans a big future for the six-storey building, having taken it out of private ownership shortly before the pandemic.
Council leader Rob Stewart said: “Make no bones about it – the Palace was in a terrible state and could have been lost to Swansea. “It was dilapidated after years of being in private hands; we rescued it when we purchased the building for the people of Swansea
“We’re transforming it with the help of specialist partners such as GWP Architecture and main contractor R&M Williams Ltd.”
Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “The work done on site so far – to simply start making this terribly distressed old building ready for our improvement work – has been specialist and complex.
“Together - and in liaison with heritage bodies - we’re striving to restore and retain key features and to make the Palace an important location for the city’s ongoing £1bn regeneration and exciting future.”
Work on site so far has included removing a large amount of mess – man-made and other - that had built up during the years of disuse. Saving thousands of original red bricks - for future use in the scheme. Removing and cataloging hundreds of distressed sandstone decorative blocks - for repair and reinstatement in due course.
R&M Williams contracts manager Simeon Reed said: “We’re delighted to be engaged on this prestigious project at a building that’s part of Swansea history. Due to the Palace’s age and poor condition, we’re encountering many challenges as we make good progress."
“Once the work’s complete, the city will have a building that’ll be a dynamic focal point for a regenerated area.”
Work began on site in 2021 and the building is due to reopen in 2024.
Recollections, photos and copies of other Palace memorabilia can be shared with the project’s Facebook page - www.facebook.com/PalaceTheatreRedevelopment/