Designers visit historic building as council seeks renovation ideas
PROGRESS is being made as Swansea Council continues its work to bring new life to the city centre’s historic Palace Theatre building.
Specialist designers have been shown around the 132-year-old structure’s interior with a view to them working to expertly and sensitively transform the building.
Potential business partners are being encouraged to submit ideas on how they – as lead tenant – would run or manage the Palace site.
In the past few months, the council has completed the acquisition of the building from its private owners.
It wants to redevelop the wedgeshaped Grade II-listed building as modern office space. The transformation will be carried out with the help of independent grant funding.
Council leader Rob Stewart said: “Progress is being made on this challenging but incredibly exciting project.
“We’re preserving this landmark city centre building for future generations, and want expert partners to help us do this. The Palace is one of the city centre’s architectural treasures, and now that it’s in our hands we’re confident in its prospects.
“Our plan will help transform the High Street area – already benefiting from many millions of pounds of private investment – and help our exciting regeneration work across the city centre.”
The council is now seeking to identify suitable partners to help redevelop it as office accommodation, and there is scope to include conference and performance facilities.
The council would then manage the building and generate revenue to exceed its own outlay on the building work.
The design and build programme could take around three years.