Palace Theatre Grade II Listed building restoration

We completed the restoration and re-purposing of the Grade II listed iconic Palace Theatre, in Swansea City Centre, and conversion from into office, public & community space.

Through Early Contractor Involvement, we worked very closely with the client during design development, advising them on buildability and providing guidance on overcoming challenges and constraints that were apparent at the outset. For instance, our experience restoring derelict buildings was crucial in delivering this project, in a confined space with many structural issues. We started with an extensive clean and make-safe effort in the condemned space, via persons with advanced confined space training & careful approach. We coordinated propping up of walls with structural steels so that surveyors could complete their activity safely. We worked closely with specialist contractors to ensure scaffold design & tying into structure aligned with the sympathetic approach required to avoid further damage to listed façade, while still offering protection until structure watertightness achieved.

Once the structure was made safe and initial design was finalised, we proceeded with enabling works (asbestos removal, structural repairs), surveys and supported Council’s design team (GWP Architecture, Hydrock, RVW, TC Consult) in design and cost plan finalisation.

Works started with stabilising the old derelict building with no roof – open to the elements for years. We proceeded to work collaboratively with client’s team to discover, document and overcome significant structural challenges, whilst maintaining the character and identity of the building. The planning and execution required constant review and revision due to unexpected findings (e.g. uncovering of a well), inclusive of new lift shaft, complete rebuilding of main roof, two major towers and a Rotunda).

Fully scaffolded with a top hat roof, the building was protected during delicate restoration progressed under the watchful eye of Cadw. Internal scope included new drainage, M&E modernisation, fire safety works, full fit out with new toilets, seating and internal glazed screens . Externally façade repairs involving significant specialist stone masonry, complete clean down of façade, paving adjacent roads and footpaths. Complete cooperation of all parties on this project cannot be overstated. Collaborative approach partnered with project bank account provided transparency and confidence that costs were always understood.

Throughout the three-year duration of this project, we built local partnerships with subcontractors, charities, schools and employability organisations that allowed us to give back to the community:

• TR&T: 787 (110% of 712 target) person weeks new entrant/trainees delivered

We engaged with Beyond Bricks and Mortar, Workways, Cyfle, Maximus, Swansea Veteran Hub, Careers Wales, Coleg Gwent, DWP, Careers Wales and local job fairs to offer opportuntieis for 18 local people – 11 labourers, 2 admin, 1 scaffolder, 1 apprentice plasterer and 1 apprentice painter, 1 work experience and one driver.

• Monetary/in-kind donations: ca. £10,000 in monetary and material donations

This included sponsorships, material donations and labour for Ysgol Crug Glas, neighbouring special needs school, repeated M&E works for local Pay as you feel charity Matt’s café; PPE and materials donation to HMP Swansea Construction Academy etc.

• Educational initiatives: multiple events covering primary, secondary, college and mature learners

8 learners ½ day on site, alongside plasterboard and wood/screws donations; Work experience for 7 Community Impact Initiative CIC learners; Four Girls into STEM events; GCSE students invited to site; facilitated UWTSD students 6-hr site tour and talks

• Construction industry benefits: several visits organised via RICS Matrics for interested industry colleagues, with talks around complex project delivery; shared apprenticeship via Cylfe and Y Prentis addressing skills shortages in the industry.