Work progresses on historic copperworks building that could become new restaurant

The Laboratory Building — which Swansea Council says dates from the second half of the 19th century — is being reconstructed by Swansea-based John Weaver Contractors as part of the council’s ongoing programme to regenerate the Lower Swansea Valley. The project is being supported by funding from the UK Government’s Local Regeneration Fund.

The council says that once complete, the building — which sits next to the Penderyn Distillery visitor centre — could become a restaurant or be used for a range of other purposes, and that it will begin searching for a tenant shortly.

How the Laboratory Building could look once restoration is complete. Image: GWP Architecture

Council leader Rob Stewart said: “We’re saving the Laboratory Building and bringing it back into use.”

Joint deputy leader David Hopkins said the Hafod-Morfa Copperworks site was “a key part of Swansea’s heritage” and that the council saw it “becoming a major leisure destination.”

A contractor surveys the roofless interior of the Laboratory Building during restoration work. Image: Swansea Council

John Weaver Contractors moved in around 16 months ago to stabilise the structure, which had become derelict and unsafe in recent decades, losing much of its roof.

Initial work saw hundreds of red bricks and other masonry items carefully removed from an unsafe 12-metre-high chimney stack, which the council says will be cleaned and reused in the reconstruction.

Expert stonemasons from South Wales-based VaultStone Limited have been carrying out stonework repairs, stabilising old archways and repairing wall cornices.

The project is now moving towards making the building watertight, with a new Welsh slate roof to be installed. New external doors and windows will also be fitted, along with a terrace and level access.

Newly crafted Bath stone blocks ready to be installed at the Laboratory Building. Image: Swansea CouncilLarge stone blocks await installation during restoration work on the Laboratory Building. Image: Swansea CouncilOld and new stone cornice work at the Laboratory Building, showing the contrast between weathered original stone and newly crafted replacement blocks. Image: Swansea CouncilA stonemason from VaultStone Limited shapes a new stone block for the Laboratory Building restoration. Image: Swansea Council

According to the council, the Laboratory Building was historically used to test the quality of copper ore being smelted at the works, and is considered the most architecturally ornate of all the surviving buildings on the site.

Separate archaeological work at the site has recently unearthed what researchers have described as “internationally significant” discoveries, shedding new light on Swansea’s industrial past.

Simon Williams of main contractor John Weaver Conservation at the Laboratory Building. Image: Swansea CouncilA newly carved Bath stone piece is matched against the original stonework during restoration of the Laboratory Building. Image: Swansea CouncilA newly installed stone cornice course above repaired rubble stonework at the Laboratory Building. Image: Swansea Council

Cabinet member Elliott King said: “Penderyn are there, we’ve saved two historic engine houses and we’ve installed a boating pontoon on the river. Further progress on our Lower Swansea Valley Project will be made this year and next.”

The council says the project is due to be complete later this year, at which point it will be ready for an internal fit-out by whichever business is selected as the end tenant.

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