Swansea’s Grade 2 listed former Castle Cinema is up for sale – and could become more student accommodation

The historic Grade 2 listed castle Cinema, situated at the heart of Swansea’s city centre and directly adjacent to the castle ruins is up for sale.

The building, which currently houses Laserzone is described as having detailed planning consent for the development of 58 student bedrooms and 3 commercial units.

The sale casts uncertainty over the future of Laserzone in the city, with the property description by estate agents B2P advising that “vacant possession can be provided once terms are agreed”.

Planning permission was granted back in 2017 for partial demolition of the roof and some internal areas. It also granted the conversion of the lower ground floor of the split level building facing onto The Strand into two commercial units. A further commercial unit on the ground level floor would front onto Worcester Place to the side of the building.

58 student study bedrooms within 11 cluster flats together along with external alterations including new window openings and new roof construction was also part of approved plans.

The estate agent however says that the building could also be used for a variety of different uses, including residential.

Castle Cinema originally opened in December 1913. It was the only building left standing in the vicinity of Swansea’s Castle Street after the Nazi German Luftwaffe bombing raids during the Second World War.

The building was modernised in 1963, however it’s long decline started in the 1970s when it became notorious for showing soft core porn films.

It had a short-lived new lease of life in 1982. The acquisition of Cardiff-based Circle Cinema saw it show Hollywood blockbusters once again.

The opening of the nearby UCI multiplex cinema, now Odeon in Parc Tawe in 1988 however, saw cinema-goers head to the more modern facilities.

The building ceased to be a cinema in 1991 when Laserzone took over the building.

The property details are available to view on Zoopla.

(Lead Image: B2P Property Consultants / Zoopla)