Up to 400 homes could be built at the former 3M factory site between Gorseinon and Penllergaer, which was put up for sale four years ago. The development would also include a community hub, workshops and open spaces on tree-lined streets.
Vision for the site
Engineering and development company Walters is seeking pre-application advice from Swansea Council. Its vision is a well-connected neighbourhood where residents can meet, work and keep active.
Some buildings at the former US-owned factory have already been demolished. A document submitted on Walters's behalf said constraints included historic industrial uses requiring investigation, remediation and management.
Former employee's memories
Mark Thomas, of Penclawdd, worked at the factory for around 40 years from 1977. He recalled peak employment of 1,400-1,500 in around 1982. "It was a good place to work, well-paid jobs, jobs for life effectively," he said. "Most people who worked there would tell you the same. I've got nothing bad to say about the place."
Mr Thomas, a former Swansea councillor, said a lot of products were made there, including video and audio tape, and an aerosol spray and lubricant. He welcomed the re-use of the land: "Empty sites don't do anything for anybody. Housing is desperately needed. There is always uproar about greenfield sites. This is a brownfield site."
Contamination concerns
The site has been linked to so-called forever chemicals. In December, the BBC reported that 3M had not told employees involved in firefighting that the foam contained PFOS and PFOA. The WHO determined in 2024 that PFOA was carcinogenic and PFOS possibly carcinogenic to humans.
The BBC's File on 4 programme reported that legacy foams were at the site in 2006 and were released during a storm. Workers pumped the liquid into the site's wastewater pond thinking it was rainwater.
A 3M spokesperson said: "The health and safety of our employees, their families, and our communities, are critical priorities for 3M." The company said it had long since phased out PFOS and PFOA, had permanently discontinued production of the foam, and had remediated the wastewater pond and surrounding soil.
The issue was raised in the Senedd in January 2026 by Conservative MS Tom Giffard. First Minister Eluned Morgan said Welsh Government officials were in regular contact with Swansea Council, which was investigating the matter. A council spokesman said the work was ongoing and findings would be published when completed.
