Hafod-Morfa Copperworks Regeneration Project
SwanseaUniversityand Swansea Council have completed phase 1 of a bold plan to preserve and bring back to life the Hafod/Morfa copper works in the Lower Swansea Valley.
A community regeneration organisation, Groundwork Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot, managed a programme of works to begin the process of regenerating the site of the world-famous Hafod-Morfa Copperworks. With some minor exceptions, the work was completed on 30 June 2014.
The works have improved access to the site and now provide opportunities for more visitors to learn about Swansea's leading role in the industrial revolution and development of the global economy.
The programme of works included:
- Protecting some of the listed buildings
- Restoring walls and other 'at risk' elementson the 12 listed buildings and structures
- Clearing vegetation to open up the site
- Establishing walking trails around the site
- Providing 'street furniture', a car park, and picnic area.
- Installing artwork, interpretation, and information
- Community archaeology digs
- On-site events including a Living History Festival on 14 June 2014 which attracted 7,128 visitors.
For images and videos which show some of the works undertaken look at the latest news section of this website.
The Welsh Government contributed £936,000 to the scheme through the Swansea Regeneration Area programme and the Targeted Match Fund. A sum of £244,000 has also been provided from the European Regional Development Fund as part of Cadw-Welsh Government’s £19m Heritage Tourism project. The City and County of Swansea provided £20,000. We are very grateful to all our funders.
Further grant applocations are now in the pipeline to that we can continuer the process of regeneration over the next 10-15 years. Watch this space!
This site has provided work and activity in Swansea for over 200 years and we want to continue this tradition now and in the future, and ensure that the community are actively involved and benefitting from the process of development as well as the end result. We want to hear from everybody who would like to contribute ideas, skills, time or whatever you have to offer.
The long-term plan is to create a vibrant, multi-purpose place for work, education, leisure, and commercial activity in and around this hugely important industrial heritage site and ensure that the site plays a central role in Swansea’s future as it has in the city’s past.
Click here to find out how to get involved.
For more information, contact Stuart Griffin, Project officer, s.m.griffin@swansea.ac.uk or Professor Huw Bowen: h.v.bowen@swansea.ac.uk
