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Copperopolis: Boost for historic Hafod Copperworks regeneration plans


C 23rd April 2013

Plans to regenerate Swansea’s historic ‘Copperopolis’ site Hafod Copperworks into a vibrant destination for heritage tourism and business could soon take another step forward

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Hafod Copper Works

It’s being proposed Swansea Council enters into a 15-year agreement with Swansea University that would see experts from both organisations working together on a project that will bring the site back into use.

The project will aim to generate a new destination in an historic environment on site that would include business space, educational, hotel and residential uses. A new footbridge linking the area to the White Rock site over the River Tawe is among the ideas. Existing buildings could also accommodate a visitor centre and offer a starting point for guided tours about the area’s history.

Swansea Council has been working with Swansea University on the scheme for two years. Funding from the Welsh Government’s Regeneration Area programme, Cadw’s Heritage Tourism Grant scheme and the Council means regeneration specialists Groundwork Bridgend-Neath-Port Talbot have now started a first phase of works on site. This includes clearing overgrown vegetation to make existing buildings more visible, stabilising key features and putting in signage and trails for visitors.

Swansea Council’s Cabinet is now being asked to approve the more long-term agreement with Swansea University.

Cllr Nick Bradley, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “This is a site of major international historic significance that’s been neglected for too long. Our working relationship alongside Swansea University to develop regeneration plans for the site has been exceptional, which is why we’re now looking to formalise the agreement for the next 15 years.

“Our plans would preserve Hafod’s rich history and help the site become a mixed-use,heritage-led destination where people would live, work and spend their leisure time. Formalising the agreement means we could further pool resources and access funds that may otherwise not be available.

“We’ll continue to engage local schools and the community in our plans as they move forward.”

Professor Huw Bowen, who is leading the project team on behalf of Swansea University, said: “This is great news and represents a major step forward. We have established a very good, creative relationship with the Council’s officers and over the last two years we have made considerable progress on this project. I now look forward to the future with great optimism as we seek to do justice to one of the most important industrial heritage sites in the world.”

The 12.5 acre Hafod Copperworks site contains 12 Grade II listed buildings and features.

The site’s smelting works and other buildings date from 1810 and helped shape the development of Swansea as a key industrial town at the heart of the first globally integrated heavy industry.

Have a look at http://www.welshcopper.org.uk/en/ for more information.