Built Heritage
The historic environment provides an important dimension to the areas where people live and work. Swansea has provided a focal point for the surrounding countryside, as an administrative centre, market and port, and then also as a seaside resort and manufacturing centre. Many of its districts grew up around copper works and mines to provide housing for workers, and they still retain distinctive characteristics.
However, many buildings and heritage features in Swansea have been lost to neglect, insensitive development and the Blitz. The remaining historic buildings and heritage sites should be regarded as community assets that reflect and recount the rich history of Swansea. They should not simply be protected but sensitively maintained and enhanced; and, where possible and appropriate, interpreted and made accessible to promote understanding and enjoyment of our heritage to those living in or visiting the area.
There are several great examples on the Trail of important historic buildings being brought back to life.
However, many buildings and heritage features in Swansea have been lost to neglect, insensitive development and the Blitz. The remaining historic buildings and heritage sites should be regarded as community assets that reflect and recount the rich history of Swansea. They should not simply be protected but sensitively maintained and enhanced; and, where possible and appropriate, interpreted and made accessible to promote understanding and enjoyment of our heritage to those living in or visiting the area.
There are several great examples on the Trail of important historic buildings being brought back to life.
On the Trail...
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Ty Tom Jones Swansea Foyer was established in the former Working Men's Club on Alexander Road in Swansea. The redevelopment conserved the listed 19th century façade while providing a modern, environmentally-friendly building behind with flats, training rooms, offices and recreational facilities built around a central ‘street’ communal space. The Llys Glas development, in the Old Central Police Station on the opposite side of the road, is a multifunctional creative community hub with student accommodation, exhibition space, office units and the Tapestri Community and Student Arts Cafe Bar; a social enterprise providing young people with skills, training and experiences needed for a career in catering.
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Penllergare Valley Woods is a beautiful former parkland and gardens, created by John Dillwyn Llewelyn, the famous local horticulturalist and pioneering photographer, as part of his private estate. The 100 hectare, Grade II registered landscape includes a rich variety of trees, shrubs and exotic plants, two lakes and a waterfall. The site also includes the remains of a walled kitchen garden and the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Wales.
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The Environment Centre is housed in the Old Telephone Exchange, a wonderful Edwardian red brick building within the historic Maritime Quarter of Swansea. The building had become derelict and was totally refurbished when the Centre was established but several key features were retained, including a majestic wooden staircase
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Gower Heritage Centre has a fully operational 12th century water powered corn and saw mill, a collection of antique farming and cultivation equipment, and a working woollen mill.
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Other Trail projects that demonstrate the Built Heritage theme:
Bishop's Wood Local Nature Reserve
Llys Nini Animal Centre
Mumbles Development Trust
Rosehill Quarry Community Park
Swansea Indoor Market
Bishop's Wood Local Nature Reserve
Llys Nini Animal Centre
Mumbles Development Trust
Rosehill Quarry Community Park
Swansea Indoor Market