Restoration work on Swansea’s historic old Palace Theatre is in full flow, and it’s completely surrounded with scaffolding and plastic sheets as workers inside the listed building strive hard to bring it back to its former glory.

The 134-year-old six-storey flatiron-shaped structure was bought by Swansea Council from private owners around two years ago after the authority secured a grant worth just under £5 million. It had fallen into disrepair and was in danger of being lost, a risk which was especially highlighted by a fire which took place there in September, 2019.

Work began on site in the autumn and the building could re-open next year. And as workers get closer to making that vision a reality, pictures from inside the building showing the progress of the restoration have revealed an interesting glimpse into its historic past where, as a theatre, it staged performances that included the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Sir Anthony Hopkins.

These photos, from GWPA Architecture, show hidden stairs, lighting consoles, counterweight stage systems, pulleys, the remains of a projection room and a fire curtain which would have been used in its capacity as a theatre.

We also get a glimpse of the fabric of the building with the roof having been removed and replaced with a temporary one, something that is currently not visible to the public from High Street.

Tramshed Tech has signed a heads of terms for development agreement with Swansea Council for the 133-year-old building. Planned to open next year, the influence of Tramshed Tech will see the creation of a modern workspace for young and growing businesses, especially those in the tech, digital and creative sectors.

Swansea Council cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, Robert Francis-Davies said: