Penderyn gains planning approval for second distillery

Welsh whisky producer Penderyn has gained planning permission to build a multi-million-pound distillery and visitor centre in Swansea, which is expected to open in 2022.

An artist’s impression of the new Penderyn distillery in Swansea

Penderyn, based in Aberdare, first revealed plans to build its second distillery in Swansea in 2016.

Construction work on the new site is likely to begin at the end of this year and continue throughout 2020 and 2021.

Swansea Council secured £3.5 million (US$4.5m) in funding from the National Lottery for the redevelopment of the historic Hafod Morfa Copperworks building, where the second Penderyn site will be located.

Dating back to 1808, the site is based over 12.5 acres on the west bank of the River Tawe.

The development will be home to the Penderyn Experience whisky tour and is expected to attract more than 50,000 visitors a year.

Plans for the site include a new-build visitor centre with shop, tasting bar, VIP bar, an exhibition space and car park with 60 spaces. There will also be a new barrel store located in part of the rolling mill that houses the Swansea Museums collections store.

A covered walkway will also connect the refurbished powerhouse, visitor centre and barrel store.

Penderyn owner Nigel Short said: “The plans are exciting for us as a business and for Swansea as a community with great plans for its future prosperity.

“Penderyn wants to be a part of the regeneration of the copperworks and repeat the success we already have with our Welsh single malt whisky and other products.”

Council leader Rob Stewart added: “The world-famous Penderyn brand will come to Swansea and one of our most historic sites will be developed in a sensitive and sustainable way.”