Neath firm crowned UK’s Best Builder for £10m Palace Theatre transformation
R & M Williams picked up the Overall Master Builder of the Year 2025 title at the Federation of Master Builders’ national awards in Manchester last night (Friday 26 September). The firm also won the award for Best Commercial or Public Sector Project.
The recognition comes for its work on the Grade II‑listed Palace Theatre on Swansea’s High Street, which has been reborn as a Grade A office and events space with capacity for more than 300 people. Managed by Tramshed Tech, the building is now a centrepiece of the city’s £1bn regeneration programme.
Heritage saved, future secured
Built in 1888, the Palace Theatre had stood derelict for 20 years before the £10m project began. Working with Cadw and conservation specialists, R & M Williams retained original features such as iron balustrades and reinstated lost elements including the conical roof and canopies, while installing modern safety and access measures.
Judges praised the scheme as a landmark example of public and private sector collaboration, with 87% of the supply chain spend staying in Wales and nearly 800 weeks of training and apprenticeships delivered during the build.
The Palace Theatre’s exterior before restoration (left) and after its award‑winning renovation (right).The Palace Theatre’s stage area in a state of decay (left) and its new life as a modern business hub (right).The Palace Theatre’s roof space before renovation (left) and after conversion into a bright, office‑ready space (right).
History of Swansea’s Palace Theatre
- 1888: Opened as The Pavilion Theatre of Varieties, designed by Bucknall & Jennings on a distinctive wedge‑shaped site at the top of High Street.
- 1890s–1900s: Renamed The Empire, then The Palace Theatre of Varieties. Hosted stars including Marie Lloyd, Dan Leno and a young Charlie Chaplin.
- Early 20th century: Became the People’s Bioscope Palace, one of the first venues in Wales to show moving pictures. Survived the WWII Blitz that destroyed much of Swansea city centre.
- 1960: Sir Anthony Hopkins made his first professional stage appearance here with Swansea Little Theatre.
- Later years: Operated as a cinema, bingo hall, nightclub and gay club before closing in 2006. The building then stood derelict for nearly two decades.
- 2019: Suffered fire damage in an arson attack, intensifying calls for restoration.
- 2021–2024: Swansea Council led a £10m restoration, working with conservation specialists to preserve historic features while creating modern office and events space.
- 2025: The Palace Theatre wins national acclaim, with Neath‑based R & M Williams crowned UK Master Builder of the Year for the project.
Sources: Swansea Council, Federation of Master Builders, Palace Theatre archives, Wikipedia[1], Cinema Treasures[2].
“A landmark for Welsh building”
Ifan Glyn, Director of FMB Cymru, said:
“R & M Williams’ restoration of Swansea’s Palace Theatre is a landmark for Welsh building, protecting heritage whilst delivering modern spaces for community benefit. It shows the best of what Welsh builders are capable of when given the chance.”
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, added:
“To take on such a challenging, high‑profile build and succeed in every respect makes them worthy winners of the Overall Master Builder title.”
The Palace Theatre’s striking circular atrium, now a light‑filled centrepiece spanning three floors.
Industry backdrop
The award comes at a time when the construction sector in Wales is under pressure. ONS figures show housing completions fell by 16% in the first quarter of 2025, while the FMB’s latest survey found 76% of Welsh firms struggling to recruit skilled tradespeople and 87% facing rising material costs.
Despite these challenges, workloads and enquiries are rising, with demand particularly strong for home improvement and major works. The FMB says projects like the Palace Theatre show the resilience and civic value of small and medium‑sized builders.
The Palace Theatre’s lower floor before renovation (top) and after, transformed into a welcoming café (bottom).The Palace Theatre’s derelict interior (top) and the same space today, reborn as a three‑storey atrium (bottom).Looking up through the Palace Theatre’s circular atrium, a dramatic feature of the restored landmark.The Palace Theatre’s iconic conical roof illuminated at night following its restoration.A side view of the Palace Theatre at night, with arched windows glowing and artwork visible inside.
Local pride
Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, has previously described the Palace Theatre’s revival as a “flagship” of the city’s regeneration, bringing new life to a landmark once left to decay.
The Master Builder Awards, hosted by TV presenter Nick Knowles, are regarded as the Oscars of the building industry.
Related Palace Theatre stories
New award joy for Palace Theatre transformation
The Palace’s restoration picked up the regeneration & conservation prize at the Constructing Excellence in Wales Awards 2025, adding to its growing list of honours.
Tramshed Tech Swansea expands at Palace Theatre
The business hub has created three new jobs as it grows its footprint in the restored landmark, supporting Swansea’s £1bn regeneration programme.
Swansea’s Palace Theatre reopens with new name and purpose
After a three‑year, £10m restoration, the 1888 theatre has reopened as a modern workspace and events venue, preserving its heritage while powering city‑centre regeneration.
#CllrRobStewart #construction #FederationOfMasterBuilders #FMBCymru #heritage #HighStreet #MasterBuilder #Neath #PalaceTheatre #RMWilliams #restoration #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #trades #TramshedTech
