It dates back to at least the reign of King George I and now an historic Swansea building is being given a makeover.
City businessman Daniel Tercero has masterminded the external upgrade of the former Ace Electrics property on the Strand and plans turning the building into a restaurant and serviced appartments.
The property is a grade two listed building and records show it dates back to at least 1720.
Mr Tercero bought the building two and a half years ago and has been able to upgrade the outside with help from the Building Enhancement Programme run by Swansea Council and funded by the Wales European Funding Office and the Welsh Assembly Government’s Strategic Regeneration Area (SRA) programme.
The 36-year-old successfully applied for a £100,000 grant under the scheme that’s helped contribute to the costs of upgrading the building’s roof, windows and stonework.
He’s now looking to turn his attention to the inside of the building and hopes he’ll be able to open up a modern European restaurant for about 60 to 80 people on the ground floor in the next 12 to 18 months.
Mr Tercero also hopes either seven or eight serviced appartments will be ready in the same timeframe.
Local architects from the Thomas Parry Design Partnership and local building contractors from JC Irvine were used during the external works and Mr Tercero plans to source as many ingredients as possible for the new restaurant in the Swansea area.
The businessman also owns La Brasseria and La Prensa on Wind Street as well as La Parrilla in SA1.
Mr Tercero said: “I was actually looking at the building recently and thinking it probably hasn’t appeared so new for hundreds of years. It’s important that buildings of this type be upgraded while conserving their character because it makes an area more attractive and generates a better business environment.
“I found out about the Building Enhancement Programme from literature about development in Swansea. The grant has been extremely helpful and I’d definitely encourage other businesses to apply.”
Cllr Gareth Sullivan, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Planning, said: “What we’re trying to do is create a more pleasant trading environment for businesses and their customers in the city centre area and the Business Enhancement Programme will help us achieve that objective.
“We’ve already seen the positive impact of the grants in properties such as the Monkey Cafe and the Grand Hotel and the benefits to Mr Tercero’s building on the Strand are now also there for all to see.
“I wish him well in his venture and hope it encourages other businesses to apply for similar grants.”
Jocelyn Davies AM, Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration, said: “I’m pleased to help bring this historic, landmark building back into commercial use through the Building Enhancement Programme. It is an example of how the programme brings together private sector, European and Assembly money to make a real difference in the City Centre and to help create jobs and business opportunities.”
Building Enhancement Programme grants are available to owners or occupiers of eligible city centre properties looking to undertake building façade and shop front enhancement works.
The amount of any financial support offered via the scheme is assessed on an individual case by case basis and takes into account the economic and environmental benefits the project provides.
Contact Sara Brock at Swansea Council for more information on [email protected] or call 01792 635705.
