The Theatres Trust – an advisory body which safeguards theatres across the UK – said while its “preferred outcome” would be for the building to be used for live performances, “it has been evident that there is not the demand in the city to make another theatre viable”.

“This is a much better outcome than allowing the building to sit empty and risk severe deterioration and potential structural decay,” it said. The project is being funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the Welsh government and Swansea council.