R & M Williams picked up the Overall Master Builder of the Year 2025 title at the Federation of Master Builders’ national awards in Manchester last night (Friday 26 September). The firm also won the award for Best Commercial or Public Sector Project.
The recognition comes for its work on the Grade II‑listed Palace Theatre on Swansea’s High Street, which has been reborn as a Grade A office and events space with capacity for more than 300 people. Managed by Tramshed Tech, the building is now a centrepiece of the city’s £1bn regeneration programme.
Heritage saved, future secured
Built in 1888, the Palace Theatre had stood derelict for 20 years before the £10m project began. Working with Cadw and conservation specialists, R & M Williams retained original features such as iron balustrades and reinstated lost elements including the conical roof and canopies, while installing modern safety and access measures.
Judges praised the scheme as a landmark example of public and private sector collaboration, with 87% of the supply chain spend staying in Wales and nearly 800 weeks of training and apprenticeships delivered during the build.
“A landmark for Welsh building”
Ifan Glyn, Director of FMB Cymru, said:
“R & M Williams’ restoration of Swansea’s Palace Theatre is a landmark for Welsh building, protecting heritage whilst delivering modern spaces for community benefit. It shows the best of what Welsh builders are capable of when given the chance.”
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, added:
“To take on such a challenging, high‑profile build and succeed in every respect makes them worthy winners of the Overall Master Builder title.”
Industry backdrop
The award comes at a time when the construction sector in Wales is under pressure. ONS figures show housing completions fell by 16% in the first quarter of 2025, while the FMB’s latest survey found 76% of Welsh firms struggling to recruit skilled tradespeople and 87% facing rising material costs.
Despite these challenges, workloads and enquiries are rising, with demand particularly strong for home improvement and major works. The FMB says projects like the Palace Theatre show the resilience and civic value of small and medium‑sized builders.
Local pride
Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, has previously described the Palace Theatre’s revival as a “flagship” of the city’s regeneration, bringing new life to a landmark once left to decay.
The Master Builder Awards, hosted by TV presenter Nick Knowles, are regarded as the Oscars of the building industry.
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Only one thing to say, fantastic!