By Shaurya Shaurya

Copyright walesonline

Work to transform a hidden Swansea feature will be starting this month and there are hopes it will be ready by Christmas . Swansea Council announced in July 2025 that work to revamp the historic amphitheatre in Swansea would begin after the ‘Amplitude’ festival was held in August. In the early 1980s the amphitheatre situated opposite the LC was a popular spot for live music performances. However, the amphitheatre’s use declined rapidly in the mid 1980s though it continued to be used for informal gatherings. That changed in August as Amplitude – a new, three day festival ‘celebrating all things music’ – was held at the location, offering a glimpse of what the venue was once like. Never miss a Swansea story by signing up to our newsletter here However, plans to transform the historic venue go back to 2023 when Swansea Council announced it had secured £180,000 of Welsh Government funding to update and improve the amphitheatre. The vision for the revamped Swansea venue became clearer in December last year after the local authority submitted plans to erect a canopy over it so that it could be used all year round. Improvement to the steps, new handrails and a mains power supply have already been installed but the new “eye catching” stage canopy is still to be built. The sail-shaped canopy is designed to provide shelter to performers, members of the audience and lighting systems. This is being done so the audience can enjoy an “outdoor music and entertainment experience.” Elliott King, cabinet member for culture, human rights and equalities at Swansea Council, said: “This addition will significantly extend the venue’s usability throughout the year, supporting a wider range of cultural and community events, as well as providing an outdoor venue unique in Swansea. “The amphitheatre is one of the city’s key assets – an iconic space that plays an important role in our public realm and cultural infrastructure. “It will complement some brilliant performance spaces we already have around the city, promote and support our creative industries and offer a different kind of audience and performer experience that’s hard to find elsewhere. We’re really looking forward to seeing it taking shape in the coming weeks.” Councillor King added: “This summer’s Amplitude event at the amphitheatre was a great free weekend out for music lovers. Performers also said they loved it and are looking forward to returning next year under cover. “The amphitheatre upgrade is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to bring top quality cultural, music and creative events to our city, offering something fresh and different for visitors and locals alike.”