One of the best known landmarks in Swansea has been given a much-needed makeover. The Big Apple in Mumbles, an iconic 1930s feature from the heyday of seaside entertainment, is so well regarded in the city that it has even obtained listed status from Welsh Government heritage body Cadw. But in recent years, it has been left to become a shadow of its former self.
We reported in April earlier this year how it had a shattered window, a buckled door and even graffiti reading 'No to vaccines', showing how it had become a target for vandalism and anti-social behaviour. It is not the only time the landmark was damaged through the years. The Big Apple was shaken to its core when a Ford Fiesta ploughed into it in August, 2009, causing extensive damage. But it was rebuilt and repaired at the time after 27,000 people backed a campaign to safeguard its future. You can read more about that by clicking here.
Mumbles Pier revealed how the landmark was a "big part of its heritage", and announced that a full renovation of the exterior was planned after the Easter holidays in time for the summer season, with plans to attract new tenants to run the Apple for the season. And now we can see those plans coming to fruition. You can sign up to the latest newsletters featuring articles from the Swansea area by clicking here.
READ MORE: Mumbles Pier secures £1.85 million for major new developments including a landmark restaurant
The much-loved landmark now looks a great deal more vibrant with a new paint job, its door restored to working order and its shattered windows will soon be repaired. Morgans Customs & Classics, the biggest importers of Piaggio Ape and American Stepvans into the UK, was put in charge of fixing the door. You can read more stories about Swansea here.
Its owner, Rhys Morgans said: "The door suffered the elements for however many years. We've done a few jobs at the pier but it's cool to work on something so iconic. It took a few site visits, obviously it is such a complicated shape, and it's got to be like for like."
The Big Apple kiosk was built in the early 1930s to promote a cider brand called Cidertone. In March, 2019, we reported how it had been given listed status by Welsh Government heritage body Cadw, meaning it should be there to stay. You can read more about that by clicking here.
