Winners of the Regeneration & Retrofit Award 2024
Hafod Morfa Copperworks Redevelopment - Hydrock, Penderyn Whisky, Swansea Council, John Weaver (Contractors) Ltd, Swansea University, GWP Architecture, TC Consult Ltd, Archer Humphryes Architects, Black Mountains Archaeology, Holloway Partnership, Geraint John Planning, Hiraeth Architecture, Expedite, Green Hat Consulting, Mann Williams
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The regeneration of the Hafod-Morfa Copperworks celebrates Swansea’s historic contribution to the transformation of Wales into an industrial powerhouse. A council-led initiative, this unique development brings new industry and visitors to the area, promotes learning and understanding of the region’s past, and injects energy and creativity for the future economy of the city.
Formerly the largest copperworks in the world, production at Hafod stopped in 1980. The site closed and fell into disrepair. But a new distillery, barrel store and visitor centre for Penderyn Whisky has breathed new life into the 12.5-acre derelict site after it was rescued by a sustainability initiative between Swansea Council and Swansea University, backed by Heritage Lottery Funding.
The two-part project included a base build phase completed for Swansea Council, followed by a major fit out phase for tenant Penderyn Whisky, with significant collaboration, crossover and coordination between both appointed teams.
This is the exciting first step in a multi-phase programme across the entire Hafod Morfa site, acting as the catalyst to attract new business, leisure and tourism to the area. Through this project, the team demonstrated that a successful, modern destination can be created on a complex, listed site while retaining much of its proud industrial heritage.
Three Winning Facts:
1. Economic impact/catalyst: Distillery estimated to bring in 50,000 visitors a year.
2. Celebrating industrial heritage: The 12.5-acre site has 12 listed internationally significant industrial heritage buildings or structures across it.
3. Achieved 824 Targeted Recruitment and Training (TRT) weeks, including seven apprentices, three work experience placements and one full time job: nearly double the overall target for the final project value.