Penderyn Distillery, Wales’ most esteemed whisky producer, is proud to announce the opening of its third distillery in Swansea. The impressive whisky distillery, located at the historic Hafod Morfa Copperworks, officially opens its doors on July 14, 2023.
The completion of this state-of-the-art distillery is the result of a collaborative effort between Penderyn Distillery, Swansea Council, Swansea University, and several funding sources.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Swansea Council, Welsh Government Economy and Transport funding, and Penderyn themselves, have collectively contributed £15 million to the successful realisation of this ambitious project.
The Hafod Morfa Copperworks, a site that played a pivotal role in Swansea’s copper industry during the 18th and 19th centuries, has undergone extensive restoration to accommodate Penderyn’s new distillery.
Penderyn Distillery is excited to commence operations at this significant heritage site, which will also serve as a captivating visitor attraction.
While Penderyn Distillery continues to operate from its existing sites across Wales, the Swansea Council remains committed to the regeneration of the copperworks and the lower Swansea Valley area. With £20 million in funding secured from the UK Government’s levelling-up programme, the council aims to further revitalise the area and contribute to the ongoing city center regeneration efforts.
The opening of Penderyn’s third distillery marks an important milestone in Swansea’s cultural and economic revitalisation. With its commitment to quality craftsmanship and its dedication to preserving Welsh heritage, Penderyn Distillery is poised to make a significant contribution to the city’s reputation as a vibrant and must-visit destination.
Penderyn Distillery’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Davies said: “Opening our new facility in Swansea is a major step forward for Penderyn as a business and a brand. We are adding a significant amount of additional production capacity to allow the business to continue its trajectory of continued high growth and also beautiful new visitor facilities that will ensure that people can experience our brand story as well as being able to discover and enjoy world class single malts from Wales”.
Penderyn’s Chief Operating Officer, Neil Quigley, said: saying, “We’re delighted to be opening our third distillery in Wales, on one of Swansea’s greatest heritage sites. It’s exciting to see the site coming back to life once again, and we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors as we continue our whisky-making tradition.”
Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council leader, said: “We’re delighted to hand over this exceptional site to Penderyn Distillery. I’m confident that, using their knowledge and expertise as one of Wales’ great modern success stories, this important heritage site will become a fantastic visitor attraction for Swansea.”
Vaughan Gething, the Welsh Government’s minister for economy, said: “I’m delighted the Welsh Government has been able to support this development. It’s another exciting regeneration project which further develops Swansea as a vibrant city destination. It complements other regeneration projects in the area as well as supporting economic growth and all year-round jobs, which is enabling broader private sector development and investment.”
Andrew White, Wales Director of The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “The Hafod Morfa Copperworks has played a significant part in the history and heritage of Swansea. Our investment here will help ensure that it continues to do so now and into the future”.
“Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained and the opening of the Penderyn distillery – the latest stage in this key redevelopment project, will provide a valuable boost for the city’s economy”.
“Heritage has a unique role to play in bringing people together where they live, work and visit and we’re also hoping that through this funding the heritage of the Hafod Morfa Copperworks site will be more accessible, relevant, valued and better understood by all.”