A long-term vacant building in Swansea is set to become a vibrant arts and culture centre.
The former JT Morgan department store, which has been empty for more than 15 years, will be transformed into a multi-purpose arts centre thanks to £780,000 in Transforming Towns grant funding from the Welsh Government.
The project, led by Elysium Art Limited, aims to support and promote the arts in Swansea and beyond.
Once renovated, the building will become a new cultural destination in the city centre, helping to regenerate the area and attract more visitors.
The first and second floors will be used as lettable studio space for artists, while the ground floor will house a gallery, meeting spaces, and a café.
The basement will be refurbished to provide additional studio space, storage, and potentially a small cinema.
Jayne Bryant, cabinet secretary for housing and local government, said: "This investment perfectly aligns with our Programme for Government commitments to make our towns and cities better places to live and work, while tackling the issue of empty buildings.
"By breathing new life into this disused space, we're not only enhancing Swansea's cultural offering but also creating opportunities for local artists and generating increased footfall that will benefit other businesses in the city centre.
"Our Transforming Towns funding is about supporting communities to reimagine their urban spaces, and this project is an excellent example of how strategic investment can deliver multiple benefits."
Work is already underway, and the first and second floors are expected to be completed by the summer.
Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said: "It's fantastic that we can work with developers, businesses, and other organisations to invest Welsh Government Transforming Towns grant funding across our city.
"The council-driven £1bn regeneration programme is powering ahead - and projects such as Elysium Art at the former JT Morgan and Y Storfa at the former BHS are great examples of that."
The cabinet secretary also visited Y Storfa, the former BHS department store on Oxford Street, which is set to become a public services hub.
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