Council leaders briefed on plan for copperworks heritage buildings

Leading councillors have been given an update on plans to bring new life to two historic Swansea buildings.

Published: 4th April 2025

3 Min Read

They were given a tour of the Vivian and Musgrave Engine Houses at the site of the former Hafod Morfa Copperworks.

Both have listed status – and there’s planning permission for both to be transformed for a range of uses, including restaurants, cafes, exhibition-style space and shops.

Swansea Council says it wants to save and transform the disused structures as part of its work to bring new life to the Lower Swansea Valley.

It’s part of the council-driven £1bn regeneration of Swansea which has already seen the saving and transformation of other heritage structures including the Palace Theatre building, Albert Hall and Hafod Morfa Copperworks powerhouse.

***In and around the Vivian and Musgrave Engine Houses.***
*(Image: Swansea Council)*

After the tour, led by council regeneration officers, council leader Rob Stewart said: “The engine houses are key to Swansea’s industrial heritage. We now want them to bring pleasure to thousands – and new opportunities.

“This is an exciting time for the Lower Swansea Valley as we and others plan to invest tens of millions of pounds in that area.”

The council saved the two engine houses from ongoing decay several years ago. A river pontoon was added nearby.

The Musgrave structure, built around 1910 and a scheduled ancient monument, contains the rare Musgrave Engine, the UK’s only one of its kind remaining in its original location.

The Vivian Engine House was built in 1860.

A new building would link the engine houses. There’d be an outdoor terrace area.

The council say that two neighbouring tall chimneys would be preserved and there’d be expert surveys of trees and other biodiversity.

***How the Vivian and Musgrave Engine Houses could look in future.***
*(Image: Swansea Council)*

Cabinet members also visited the neighbouring V&S No.1 Locomotive Shed, another listed building that served the copperworks. Planning permission is in place to make this dilapidated historic structure safe and watertight.

The council is working on a series of schemes in the River Tawe corridor. Funding sources include part of a £20m investment from the UK Government’s Levelling Up scheme.

Businesses already planning big futures at the copperworks site include Penderyn Whisky, which opened there two years ago, and Skyline which has planning permission for a major outdoor leisure attraction linking Kilvey Hill and Landore.

(Lead image: Swansea Council)

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