A vision document that’s now been released for the former copperworks site on the riverside includes the potential for a series of pontoons and landing stations along the river that would help accommodate boat trips for residents and visitors from the Maritime Quarter to the area of the Liberty Stadium.

Other developments include on-going Morfa Distributor Road works between the stadium and New Cut Road in a bid to boost nearby businesses, relieve traffic congestion in the Hafod area and open up riverside sites for regeneration.

Swansea Council and Swansea University are behind the regeneration of the Hafod Morfa Copperworks site. The vision document for the site’s future also includes proposals for a restaurant, an urban square, a living history laboratory and the restoration of historic features.

It’s thought the introduction of pontoons and landing stations along the river could help accommodate a local community rowing club as well.

The council is also researching potential uses for a plot of land close to the Maritime Quarter’s Sailbridge as it looks to market the site to developers in future.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said: “We’ve already kick-started the regeneration of the city centre and waterfront with the marketing of the St David’s and Civic Centre sites, but we also recognise the importance of the River Tawe. The river has played a key role in Swansea’s development over the centuries but there’s a real opportunity to make it a focal point of Swansea life once again in years to come. We’re committed to preserving and celebrating as much of Swansea’s heritage as possible, which is why consultation we carried out on the city centre’s future earlier this year also included a focus on how we go about making best use of the river.

“Our recent 15-year agreement to work alongside experts at Swansea University to further regenerate the Hafod Morfa Copperworks site shows how seriously we’re taking our commitment. Our vision for the site isn’t just about conserving buildings of historic value – it’s also about making the most of the riverside by potentially introducing facilities like pontoons, landing stations, boat trips, housing, water-based activities and a restaurant. We’re looking to accelerate works on the Morfa Distributor Road to help bring about this riverside regeneration, tackle congestion in Hafod and benefit businesses in the area.

“These on-going works and plans will build on the success of Swansea Marina, the development of the University of Wales Trinity St David’s SA1 campus and the popularity of ventures like the Swansea Community Boat to re-enforce the river corridor as a key resource for transport, living, recreation and leisure. More railings could also be introduced along the river corridor in future if experts consider the scale of regeneration, activity and visitor numbers warrants it.”

New railings, trees, seating, bins, and public lighting have already been recently installed on the pedestrian and cycle path between the Tawe river bridges and Swansea Yacht Club.

Swansea Marina also again won prestigious blue flag status last month in recognition of its water quality, management and safety. Nearly all original railings at the marina have now been replaced with inwardly curving, stainless steel railings at quayside locations where people change direction or where there’s a high pedestrian footfall.

Subject to funding, other new facilities being proposed for the Hafod Morfa Copperworks site include a pedestrian bridge that links to the White Rock site, a new visitor centre, conference facilities and incubation units for start-up businesses.

With the support of Welsh Government, Cadw and European funds, progress on site has already included clearing vegetation, stabilising buildings at risk, improving access for visitors, community archaeology fieldwork, new pathways, an audio visual trail and new information panels.

A vision document that’s now been released for the site also includes proposals for a living history laboratory, an urban square, a brewery, a restaurant, a pedestrian bridge that links to the White Rock site, affordable housing and the restoration of historic engine sheds to show how they worked in their prime.

The vision document is now available on the new dedicated website for the site at www.hafodmorfacopperworks.com

Regeneration of the site has already started as part of a project called Cu@Swansea being led by Swansea University and Swansea Council. With the support of Welsh Government, Cadw and European funds, progress has included clearing vegetation, stabilising buildings at risk, improving access for visitors, community archaeology fieldwork, new pathways, an audio visual trail and information panels.

A programme of fortnightly site tours is also being organised every other Wednesday from May 6, starting at 2pm. Tours take approximately an hour and a half and will guide visitors around the site, exploring its history, the current project and future plans.

Swansea Council and Swansea University are about to sign a 15-year agreement to further preserve and celebrate the site.

Professor Huw Bowen, of Swansea University, said: “The new agreement is a commitment from both the university and the council to further regenerate the internationally significant Hafod Morfa Copperworks site. We hope to build on the great work that’s already been done to develop a vibrant and exciting reanimation of a site that was once at the heart of the industrial revolution.

“Subject to funding, the combination of our plans to preserve and celebrate our heritage, develop new visitor facilities and accommodate new start-up businesses means this site, which once employed hundreds of local people, will again be a catalyst for regeneration of the local area.”

“Ten years from now, it could well be a landmark site for heritage, learning, innovation and community engagement.”

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “The new 15-year agreement with Swansea University shows how serious we are about conserving and promoting our world class history. Visitors to the site in future will experience a place that celebrates the stories of the past and connects them with ideas and skills that will soon define their world. This will help further put Swansea on the map as an innovative city that recognises the importance of our heritage.”

Other plans include a workshop providing metalwork craft demonstrations and visitor activities. A pontoon could also provide mooring for Copper Jack – Swansea’s community boat – and other river craft.

Contact the Museum Collections Centre on 01792 467282 to book a place on a walking tour.