More than £1 million has been earmarked to upgrade Swansea Market’s roof
Swansea Market
The roof of Swansea Market, which has exceeded its expected lifespan by more than 20 years, has experienced a number of leaks in recent years.
Plans being considered include upgrading the roof with energy-efficiency measures like integrated solar panels and rain water drainage.
The proposed scheme will include the replacing of the roofing sheets to the iconic market dome, the renewal of roof lights and the treatment of all flat roof areas. Glazing will also be upgraded and the roof will be strengthened.
Swansea Council’s Cabinet is now being asked to approve the spending and the submission of a planning application in future.
Cllr Nick Bradley, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “Swansea Market is a vitally important feature of our city centre that helps strengthen our reputation for top-quality independent traders. It attracts visitors from far afield and even the Prince of Wales was enormously impressed when he made a visit in December.
“The market helps Swansea city centre stand out from the crowd and that’s why it’s important we invest in its future during these enormously competitive times for traders.
“But it’s also vital we minimise disruption to the market hall when any works are ongoing. Limiting the impact of the works and maintaining regular contact with market traders will be key to our planning as this proposal moves forward.”
If Cabinet approves the spending, it will also give Swansea Council the opportunity to match-fund the scheme from other sources under the Waterfront City programme. This could lead to other improvements at the market including more floor space, better signage and improved entrances.
The Waterfront City Convergence Programme has provided more than £32 million of funding for city centre and waterfront improvements. The funding is largely from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) with match-funding identified from the Welsh Government’s Regeneration Area and Transport Plan programmes, the private sector and Swansea Council.
Have a look at our Swansea Indoor Market page for more information about the market
