Cambrian Place Retrofit
The historic Grade II listed building in Swansea’s Maritime Quarter is undergoing a significant transformation, bringing much-needed affordable housing to those with the greatest need. Cambrian Place, dating back to 1820, is located on one of the city’s oldest streets and among the few that survived World War II bombings. Pobl Group, supported by over £5 million from the Welsh Government’s Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme, is embarking on a 74-week refurbishment project to secure the future of this important site.
Located near the River Tawe and Swansea Bay, the project will preserve the building’s unique historical character while addressing modern housing needs. Jayne Bryant MS, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, commented on the progress, expressing her pleasure at seeing the building’s restoration.
“This project demonstrates how the Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme supports vital initiatives across Wales, creating high-quality, energy-efficient housing”.
The refurbishment includes careful restoration of the brick and stone front façade, window and roof replacements, and the addition of external wall insulation to the side and rear. Internally, the 32 apartments will undergo a complete overhaul, featuring new low-carbon heating and hot water systems, as well as breathable internal wall insulation. The apartments will be fully electric, powered by PV panels and heat pumps, with infrared ceiling heat mats being trialled as part of the project’s low-carbon strategy.
Swansea-based John Weaver Contractors has been appointed to carry out the work, reflecting Pobl’s commitment to supporting local businesses and communities. The project aligns with new Welsh Quality Design Requirements (WQDR), ensuring improved access and modern layouts.
The strategy uses cutting-edge research and analysis, using hygrothermal modelling to assess condensation risks and exploring various options for improving the building’s energy efficiency. By undertaking embodied and operational carbon assessments, the project seeks to use natural and low-carbon materials, such as wood fibre insulation and lime renders. This ambitious retrofit is not only preserving an important piece of Swansea’s history but also setting a benchmark for sustainable, energy-efficient housing in Wales.
The historic Grade II listed building in Swansea’s Maritime Quarter is undergoing a significant transformation, bringing much-needed affordable housing to those with the greatest need. Cambrian Place, dating back to 1820, is located on one of the city’s oldest streets and among the few that survived World War II bombings. Pobl Group, supported by over £5 million from the Welsh Government’s Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme, is embarking on a 74-week refurbishment project to secure the future of this important site.
Located near the River Tawe and Swansea Bay, the project will preserve the building’s unique historical character while addressing modern housing needs. Jayne Bryant MS, Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, commented on the progress, expressing her pleasure at seeing the building’s restoration.
“This project demonstrates how the Transitional Accommodation Capital Programme supports vital initiatives across Wales, creating high-quality, energy-efficient housing”.
The refurbishment includes careful restoration of the brick and stone front façade, window and roof replacements, and the addition of external wall insulation to the side and rear. Internally, the 32 apartments will undergo a complete overhaul, featuring new low-carbon heating and hot water systems, as well as breathable internal wall insulation. The apartments will be fully electric, powered by PV panels and heat pumps, with infrared ceiling heat mats being trialled as part of the project’s low-carbon strategy.
Swansea-based John Weaver Contractors has been appointed to carry out the work, reflecting Pobl’s commitment to supporting local businesses and communities. The project aligns with new Welsh Quality Design Requirements (WQDR), ensuring improved access and modern layouts.
The strategy uses cutting-edge research and analysis, using hygrothermal modelling to assess condensation risks and exploring various options for improving the building’s energy efficiency. By undertaking embodied and operational carbon assessments, the project seeks to use natural and low-carbon materials, such as wood fibre insulation and lime renders. This ambitious retrofit is not only preserving an important piece of Swansea’s history but also setting a benchmark for sustainable, energy-efficient housing in Wales.
