Planning permission has been granted to transform an historic grade-II listed building in Swansea into a new bar and kitchen. City planners have approved an application that will see Loungers open a Cosy Club inside the Exchange Building, within the Maritime Quarter.
New layout for the ground floor
The ground floor will be subdivided into several separate areas that will comprise a bar, kitchen, trading space, private dining room, cellar and store.
The move marks a new chapter in the history of the Exchange Building, which was grade II listed by Cadw in 1987. It was built between 1913 and 1915 by Henry Billings and Sons to the designs of Charles Tamlin Ruthen, who also designed the former Carton Cinema, the Mond Building and the Albert Hall cinema refurbishment.
History of the building
The building was "practically gutted and all woodwork and glass destroyed" by bombing during the Second World War, before being repaired in the 1950s by Henry Billing and Sons Ltd, the same local contractor that had built it some 35 years previously. The reconstruction was subject to post-war austerity restrictions rather than a full replication.
The most recent use of the building was a call centre in the basement, offices in the ground floor Exchange Hall level and social rented flats within the upper three floors.
Council support for the plans
A decision report compiled by Swansea Council states: "The Cadw building at risk register notes that the Exchange Building is vacant and in fair condition with the conclusion that it is vulnerable with a high chance of further deterioration that could lead to the listed building becoming at risk if there is no intervention."
It added: "The change of use proposed is fully supported to bring key spaces within this listed building back into use, furthermore the public commercial focus of the restaurant/bar will allow many more people to experience and appreciate the character and quality of former exchange hall which is a space of high significance."
The Exchange Building forms part of the setting of other listed buildings, namely the former port offices (now Morgans Hotel), which is grade II listed, and Swansea Museum, which is also grade II listed. Given the nature of the conversion proposals, with no external works other than window replacements and a platform lift, it is not considered that the proposals would harm the setting of these designated heritage assets.
The report adds: "The Exchange Building lies within the Maritime Quarter Conservation Area. The nature of the proposals would preserve the character of the designated area, and the reuse proposals would increase commercial activity and footfall within the historic area as a positive regeneration outcome."
Plans were also recently approved by Swansea Council for Little Wind Street to be transformed with a fresh new look, with modern lighting and features.
