EditorSINGLETON PARK: Future of iconic 200-year-old Swiss Cottage in doubt again as leaseholder pulls out
The Friends of Singleton Park group announced that the leaseholder for the Grade II listed building had given up their lease, leaving no clear path to renovating the historic landmark.
Swansea Council confirmed the news, saying that while it was “disappointing”, the authority remained committed to finding a new sustainable use for the cottage.
The news comes less than three years after it was announced that the landmark was set for a new lease of life, with Swansea-based Tifa Properties taking on a 15-year lease in August 2023.
The company had planned to transform the vacant building into a café with food and drink units, creating a new hub for park users.
In a statement on social media, the Friends of Singleton Park said: “It has been brought to our attention that the lease holder for Swiss Cottage has given up his lease.
“This means that 3 years on, there is not a clear path to renovating this iconic building.”
The group noted that while the exterior of the cottage had been repainted, the building was not any more “functionally useable”.
They also highlighted that 2026 is a significant year for the cottage, as it marks the 200th anniversary of its construction in 1826.
A Swansea Council spokesperson said: “The council has provided considerable support to help restore the exterior of this fantastic feature of Swansea’s history.
“While it’s disappointing that the current leaseholder at Swiss Cottage has decided to surrender the lease, we remain committed to finding a suitable sustainable use for the Swiss Cottage and will now look at alternative options to achieve that.”
The picturesque cottage was designed by architect Peter Frederick Robinson, who designed Sketty Hall for the Vivian family, after he was inspired by timber-built houses he had seen in Switzerland.
It has stood empty for many years and has been the subject of numerous failed plans and proposals.
The building was badly damaged in an arson attack in 2010, with a major restoration project completed in 2014 to repair the roof, windows, doors and distinctive decorative features.
Last year, the park was the subject of a public consultation on a new improvement plan, with drop-in sessions for residents held next to the historic cottage.
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