The scheme proposal is for the restoration and conversion of the former Castle Cinema in Swansea city centre to provide 30 affordable homes and new commercial units. The property is a Grade II listed building immediately north of Swansea Castle. It is also located within a designated conservation area. The scheme has therefore been sensitively designed in recognition of its architectural and historic importance.

For all those film buffs, the showing of moving or animated pictures was started by the Lumiere brothers in Paris in 1895 and was quickly followed in Britain the following year. This gave rise to travelling and temporary facilities, including the adaptation of shops in the early 1900s. The Kings Hall in Tooting, London, opened in 1909 is thought to be the first purpose-built cinema in Britain and following the Cinematograph Act of that year a large number began to be built. Between 1910 and 1914 it is estimated that approximately 3,500 cinemas were opened, including Castle Cinema.

The scheme aims to preserve as many of the original features as possible, whilst identifying sustainable uses that will ensure its long-term preservation as a key building in the city.

The scheme will include two separate areas for commercial use: the lower part of the building that fronts on to the Strand is intended to accommodate small scale office use. In the main elevation facing Worcester Place and the Castle, a new commercial unit over two storeys is being created that anticipates a café/restaurant type use. A new glazed box is proposed that will form part of this unit and front onto the Castle and open space.

The scheme is being undertaken in tandem with the Castle Gardens scheme that is being taken forward by the Council on adjacent land. In combination, the two projects will transform this important part of the city.

You can find more information about the commercial spaces here.