Swansea Church Transformed Into Cafe Restaurant and Apartments

A church in Swansea’s roundabout got a makeover. It is becoming a cafe and apartments. Swansea Council approved the plan in 2020. Andrew Shipley, of ADI Design, led the project. Work began in May 2020.

The church becomes a cafe and restaurant, seating 48 and 60-70 people respectively. Four loft apartments are also being built as part of the project. After five years, it is nearly finished and may open in May or June.

The renovated church features a new coffee shop and a restaurant with a pizza oven. Original details remain, including the stained glass. Fancy apartments are located above, and tables surround the church outside.

Mr. Shipley explained that it was a long project, with dealing with the listed building being tricky. Bureaucracy also slowed things down. Now, he says they are finally nearing completion.

Inside are two commercial spaces. One will be a coffee shop, and the other is a full restaurant featuring a wood-fired pizza oven. The four apartments upstairs look great, showcasing original woodwork and stained glass. An enclosed terrace surrounds the building.

Mr. Shipley is seeking individuals to run the spaces. He wants a local coffee shop operator and someone to manage the restaurant. He encourages interested parties to contact him.

Addressing concerns about the location, Mr. Shipley reassured people about safety. The church has been there for 150 years, and you can safely cross the road to reach it. He noted that cars cannot speed on the roundabout and prefers a used church over a neglected one.

Many churches fall into disrepair, sometimes becoming drug dens or burning down. This project helps save heritage by providing new uses for churches without congregations.

Mr. Shipley is happy to reopen the church. The public can enjoy it again after he used it for storage. Many locals have memories attached to the church because they were married or christened there. The church is part of their community.

He enjoys converting churches to benefit the area, noting they are emotional and spiritual places. Reviving them is something to celebrate, and locals support the project.

Having lived in Morriston for years, Mr. Shipley wants to help the community. With Woodfield Street having declined recently, he hopes this project helps revitalize it. He believes local businesses help build a healthy community.