Hafod Copperworks is a former copper ore mine and industrial site in Blaenavon, Wales, that operated from 1822 to 1909. The site features a range of industrial buildings, including the iconic Hafod Copperworks smelter, which is one of the best-preserved examples of a 19th-century copper smelter in the UK. The site also includes a powerhouse, a boiler house, and a series of chimneys, as well as remains of the original mine workings. Today, the site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade II* listed building, and is open to the public as a museum and heritage attraction.
One of the most historic landmarks of great importance of Swansea and Wales is the Hafod-Morfa Copperworks. The remains are Grade II Listed Buildings ushering the statutory protection. It was nice to see that the Swansea Council, Swansea University, Friends of Hafod-Morfa Copperworks and Local Community came forward to revive this treasured heritage after decades of despair! The Powerhouse & Canteen, a Grade II Listed Building, is currently undergoing restorative and preservative work as well as repurposing the building for the Visitor Centre with many unique features! Another Grade II Listed Building - former rolling mill building - currently being used as a museum - is also undergoing repurposing works to support the regeneration project! However, It would be better and ideal to add a specific Visitor Centre for the site with cafe, souvenirs shops, information display, seating areas, disabled access, conference hall - it would bring more diverse visitors with children and younger audiences! This new installation works is intrinsically involved with all the Grade II Listed Buildings in the Hafod-Morfa Copperworks! The whole site of the Hafod-Morfa Copperworks reminds us of the historic industrial past of Swansea! These are the early signs, and perhaps, only few remaining Monuments of the industrialised nation the Swansea/Wales used to be! And perhaps, a reminder of how polluted these area was and how it contributed towards the "Climate Change"! What a mystery! What a history! Who would have thought the Morfa Road was once a vibrant busy Swansea Canal! And because of the Swansea Canal, the current towns came to existence and without this canal, Swansea might not have the industrial revolutions for which Swansea was once Known as "Copperopolis"! It is an amazing Heritage site - full of mystery and picturesque viewpoints - River Tawe, White Rock Heritage Park across the River, Tall Chimney, Art Works, Morfa Bascule Bridge, Heritage Trails! Art Installations brought in some life to the site and it is more descriptive through the arts! A huge potential to make this one of the best walking/hiking routes in the area! Despite the historic importance and statutory protection, the whole site looks like derelict, run-down, barren, neglected, not of importance at all! It is currently closed due to repair works! The whole site needs a makeover with appropriate signages & lightnings, interpretation display boards and a proper maintenance programme to make it a safe site to visit and enjoy the heritage! Whole site is temporarily closed for the regeneration project! Look forward to seeing the completed work and regeneration project reviving the site which once was bustling with workers and polluted gas!
The Hafod-Morfa Copperworks was, at one time, the largest copperworks in the world and the hub of the global copper industry. Penderyn's 3rd Distillery in Wales is located nearby, with the Distillery Hall housed in what was once the copperworks' powerhouse. The other buildings that remain on site are derelict but are currently being restored. This area is a nice place to walk and, overall, a great area to relax and learn.
Looks like a cool site but is a building site currently if you're considering visiting
Great Historic site still in its infancy for development but the passion of the volunteers is amazing. Nice by the river, also if you go to the waterfront you can take a boat trip on the "Copper Jack" and see the site from the river.
Doesn't seem to be a lot to see or do. There are some old industrial buildings but they appear to be off limits. Some sculpture and some interpretation boards, in what is otherwise an empty field. Fine for a walk around, but sadly, the many buildings are too far gone at present.
Lovely little historical site, could use more attention.
Good for kids
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One of the most historic landmarks of great importance of Swansea and Wales is the Hafod-Morfa Copperworks. The remains are Grade II Listed Buildings ushering the statutory protection. It was nice to see that the Swansea Council, Swansea University, Friends of Hafod-Morfa Copperworks and Local Community came forward to revive this treasured heritage after decades of despair! The Powerhouse & Canteen, a Grade II Listed Building, is currently undergoing restorative and preservative work as well as repurposing the building for the Visitor Centre with many unique features! Another Grade II Listed Building - former rolling mill building - currently being used as a museum - is also undergoing repurposing works to support the regeneration project! However, It would be better and ideal to add a specific Visitor Centre for the site with cafe, souvenirs shops, information display, seating areas, disabled access, conference hall - it would bring more diverse visitors with children and younger audiences! This new installation works is intrinsically involved with all the Grade II Listed Buildings in the Hafod-Morfa Copperworks! The whole site of the Hafod-Morfa Copperworks reminds us of the historic industrial past of Swansea! These are the early signs, and perhaps, only few remaining Monuments of the industrialised nation the Swansea/Wales used to be! And perhaps, a reminder of how polluted these area was and how it contributed towards the "Climate Change"! What a mystery! What a history! Who would have thought the Morfa Road was once a vibrant busy Swansea Canal! And because of the Swansea Canal, the current towns came to existence and without this canal, Swansea might not have the industrial revolutions for which Swansea was once Known as "Copperopolis"! It is an amazing Heritage site - full of mystery and picturesque viewpoints - River Tawe, White Rock Heritage Park across the River, Tall Chimney, Art Works, Morfa Bascule Bridge, Heritage Trails! Art Installations brought in some life to the site and it is more descriptive through the arts! A huge potential to make this one of the best walking/hiking routes in the area! Despite the historic importance and statutory protection, the whole site looks like derelict, run-down, barren, neglected, not of importance at all! It is currently closed due to repair works! The whole site needs a makeover with appropriate signages & lightnings, interpretation display boards and a proper maintenance programme to make it a safe site to visit and enjoy the heritage! Whole site is temporarily closed for the regeneration project! Look forward to seeing the completed work and regeneration project reviving the site which once was bustling with workers and polluted gas!
The Hafod-Morfa Copperworks was, at one time, the largest copperworks in the world and the hub of the global copper industry. Penderyn's 3rd Distillery in Wales is located nearby, with the Distillery Hall housed in what was once the copperworks' powerhouse. The other buildings that remain on site are derelict but are currently being restored. This area is a nice place to walk and, overall, a great area to relax and learn.
Looks like a cool site but is a building site currently if you're considering visiting
Great Historic site still in its infancy for development but the passion of the volunteers is amazing. Nice by the river, also if you go to the waterfront you can take a boat trip on the "Copper Jack" and see the site from the river.
Doesn't seem to be a lot to see or do. There are some old industrial buildings but they appear to be off limits. Some sculpture and some interpretation boards, in what is otherwise an empty field. Fine for a walk around, but sadly, the many buildings are too far gone at present.
Lovely little historical site, could use more attention.