Early September finish for market roof works

WORK on refurbishing Swansea Market’s roof is now just about finished.

Swansea Council and representatives from R & M Williams, its contractors for the scheme, have held a topping-out ceremony to mark the near-completion of the project.

The work, scheduled for completion at the start of September, includes refurbishment of the existing barrel roof and renewal of the roof gable glazing.

A giant crane that’s been on site to help with the works since January has now left. Expert abseilers were also used during the project to help lower panes of glass into place.

The project is being funded by Swansea Council and the Building Enhancement Programme, which is supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government.

Extra funding means drainage improvements can now be carried out and repairs to the market’s flat roof will be more extensive than originally planned. These additional works will be carried out until mid-December. They’ll be undertaken out of sight of market traders and shoppers.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “The roof refurbishment project was identified by the Swansea Market traders as their top priority when we asked them what improvements they’d most like to see at the attraction. These works will preserve our fantastic market for many years to come, but we realise that other improvements are needed too, which is why this will be the first phase, subject to a funding, of a broader scheme to further improve the attraction’s look and feel in future.

“Our contractor, R & M Williams, has done a terrific job in delivering the project on time and minimising disruption throughout the works because access into and around the market hall has been maintained at all times.

“All the works originally planned will be finished by early September but extra funding means we’re also in a position to carry out more extensive repairs to the market’s flat roof and put drainage improvements in place. These works will be undertaken out of sight, won’t lead to any disruption and will be finished in the build-up to Christmas.”

Swansea Market recently received a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor, the world’s biggest travel website. These awards celebrate excellence in hospitality and are only given to places that consistently get great reviews on TripAdvisor.

Have a look at www.swanseaindoormarket.co.uk for more information.