WORK on breathing new life into part of Swansea's historic copper quarter will soon start.
The regeneration of the 200-year-old Hafod Copperworks area will be managed by the Groundwork organisation from early next year.
It is part of the CU@Swansea project led by Swansea Council and Swansea University.
Over the next 15 months work at the site will include protecting listed buildings, clearing vegetation, introducing walking trails, installing information panels, holding archaeological digs and staging events.
Professor Huw Bowen, who's leading the project team, said: "This is one of the most important industrial heritage sites in Britain, yet it lies neglected. We're delighted to be taking the next step in this exciting and ambitious project which will provide an opportunity for more people to learn about Swansea's leading role in the industrial revolution.
"Because of its copper production, Swansea's impact on the development of the world economy can't be understated. This is why we're also looking, through the project, to generate links with places like Chile, Cuba and South Australia which supplied large quantities of ore to the smelting works in Swansea."
The Welsh Government is contributing £277,000 to the scheme through the Swansea Regeneration Area programme and the Targeted Match Fund and £244,000 has been provided from the European Regional Development Fund.
The site will be inaccessible because of the works until the project is finished but the scheme is scheduled for completion in the late summer of 2013.
The longer-term vision is to bring the site back into use as a vibrant and innovative hub for work, education, tourism and leisure.
Nick Bradley, Swansea Council cabinet member for regeneration, said: "This site has provided work and activity in Swansea for over 200 years and we want to continue this tradition now and in the future. But it's important the local community benefits from the process of development as well as the end result, and this is why we'd like to hear from anybody who'd like to contribute their ideas, skills or time."
