Raft of changes to bring theatre into 21st century
SWANSEA is in for an exciting future of developments and transformations, with multi-millionpound projects going on all across the city at pace.
There are new student developments, the muchanticipated indoor arena and a new public square to name just a few of the things we can look forward to.
But as far as the city’s history is concerned, the plans to breathe new life into one of its landmarks, the Palace Theatre, which once staged performances by stars such as Charlie Chaplin and Sir Anthony Hopkins, sits at the top of the list.
Swansea Council’s plans to restore and convert it were officially approved in early December last year, and it is all systems go for the revamp work to get under way this year. The news has been welcomed by many, who are pleased to see the long-neglected building being brought back into any sort of use.
But what do we know about the project? We’ve taken a closer look at exactly what’s to come for the historic High Street landmark.
The listed building will become home to tech, start-up and creative businesses.
The main structure will stay as it is, with the restoration of original features and the reinstatement of others. A section of tiered seating will be retained to form a social area and presentation space, with the ability to host smallscale events.
LEAD TENANT REVEALED
Tramshed Tech has signed a heads of terms for development agreement with Swansea Council for the 133-year-old building. Planned to open next year, the influence of Tramshed Tech will see the creation of a modern workspace for young and growing businesses, especially those in the tech, digital and creative sectors.
Tramshed Tech cofounder and CEO Louise Harris said: “It is so exciting to be working with the city council in Swansea to re-develop this historic landmark building and to be able to provide classleading digital services for the city.”
Council leader Rob Stewart added: “I’m delighted that we’re working with Tramshed Tech as the Palace’s lead tenant. It’s another big step in Swansea’s £1bn regeneration story that’s bringing investment, jobs and opportunities.”
WIDER PAVEMENT TO BE CREATED
The pavement is to be widened along the High Street facade to facilitate a new main entrance to the building.
ONE WAY STREET
Bethesda Street is to become a one-way street with a servicing/delivery bay to the rear of the theatre.
INTERIOR WORKS
Internal fabric will be removed, and there will be the insertion of three areas of new floor to the stage house, auditorium and roof void, along with the reinstatement of the conical roof at the apex of the building. The two entrance canopies will be reinstated, and we’ll see the introduction of glazed roof lights to the roof.
The removal of several internal superfluous staircases is planned to open up the building along Bethesda Street to accommodate a lift serving all floors and other necessary adaptations.
SEATING
A section of the existing tiered seating of the third floor is to be retained to form a social seating and presentation space.
The remaining tiered seating and floors to the second and third floors will be covered with a new raised access floor at the stair lobby level, with ramped and stepped access.
EXTERNAL LIGHTING
The three corner towers of the theatre will be lit up by an external uplighter with the light fitting sitting ‘invisibly’ on top of the cornice in each location.
PITCHED ROOF
There will be minor amendments externally to the roof and internally. This will include a pitched roof continued over the stage house area, and new roof lights.