Revamp breathes new life into Palace Theatre

SWEEPING curves are among the lines being seen as construction specialists prepare the Palace Theatre building for its new life.

The dramatic but sensitive overhaul is expected to lead to its reopening – as a base for new businesses – next year.

The structure was built in 1888 and, in its long history, underwent a series of interior makeovers resulting in a complex rabbit warren layout.

The challenges for those rescuing the building were intensified by the structure’s derelict state after almost two decades of disuse.

Swansea Council plans a big future for the six-storey building, having taken it out of private ownership shortly before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Council leader Rob Stewart said: “It’s fantastic to see things coming together in the Palace.

“It was in a terrible state when we took it out of private ownership – and could have been lost to Swansea.

“We’ve rescued it and are transforming it with the help of specialist partners such as GWP Architecture and main contractor R&M Williams Ltd.”

Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “The work being done on site is specialist and complex – and we’re now in the early stages of seeing the shape of things to come.”

Work began on site in 2021. The project is being assisted with funding from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.

Work on site so far has included installing steel girders to support key future aspects of the building, creating a void and inserting a steel framework to accommodate a lift – and removing and restoring the dilapidated roof in readiness for a new slate roof.

Richard Townend, of GWP Architecture, said: “The design team is continuing to work closely with the construction team and specialists, alongside the council, as completion nears of this fantastic rebirth of this unique building in its new role at the heart of Swansea.”

Simeon Reed, of R&M Williams, said: “Walking the site every day, I can see the final look and feel of the building taking shape. I’m thrilled to be part of preserving such a wonderful space for future generations to experience and enjoy.”

Welsh Government Minister for Climate Change Julie James said: “The Palace Theatre building is an excellent example of how, through hard work and funding, we can bring a disused building back to life and create much needed high quality modern commercial floor space in the city centre.”

The grade two listed building is being transformed into a home for tech businesses, start-up and creative businesses, with Tramshed Tech to lease the building as lead tenant.