Artist to splash some culture with new Swansea wine bar and gallery
AN ARTIST is setting out to transform a Swansea suburb from a land he says is all about booze and burgers into a centre of culture.
Noah Redfern is preparing to open an art gallery and wine bar in the Uplands which he says has become synonymous with alcohol and fast food.
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Noah Redfern, owner of Noah's Yard, wine bar and gallery in Uplands.
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The 32-year-old said his new venue, will provide a pleasant and cultural environment as a meeting place for people who don't want to take part in heavy drinking, loud rock music and "all the accompanying anti- social spin offs".
Mr Redfern has spent the past six months revamping the premises which will open for business seven days a week in the new year.
The business will be known as Noah's Yard and operate as a retail gallery, wine bar and cafe from 38 Uplands Road close to the Uplands Tavern.
Mr Redfern said: "I felt the Uplands and Swansea was lacking in culture."
The business owner travelled as far as Rome and New York to get inspiration for his new business venture and said his trip made him realise Swansea doesn't have a cafe and arts culture.
He has also acquired an original piece of work from street artist Banksy, which is though to be worth around £30,000, to be displayed in the stairwell leading up to the gallery.
Business in the Bay website
Mr Redfern studied photo journalism at Swansea's Metropolitan University and previously worked as a graphic designer and DJ for Swansea's Monkey Bar. He said: "This is my first venture into the wide world of owning my own business.
"It's something I've always wanted to do.
"I found this building four years ago and the day it became vacant I was hungry to find out who owned it."
Mr Redfern has made it a priority to use reclaimed materials in the fit out of his business, including wood from demolished buildings on The Kingsway.
Business support group Venture Wales played a key role in supporting his efforts to get the venue up and running.
He said: "I'm entering a world I know nothing about and if there is anything I'm unsure about, from business plans to talking to accountants, they are always there for me."
rupert.hall@swwmedia.co.uk
7 Comments
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by Anna Redfern, Oslo, Norway
Friday, December 18 2009, 4:14PM
“Good luck bruvs! Noah's Yard will be a resounding success, just what Uplands needs, a bit of class and distinction! I wish I was there to help u out but I know u can manage without me (just about!) ;)
from a very proud sister x”
by Joanne, Swansea
Friday, December 18 2009, 12:37PM
“Fantastic idea. Wind Street was meant to give Swansea the cafe culture but this has back fired.
This new enterprise will give us somewhere to go where you don't have to shout to be heard and is unique rather that a carbon copy of other town centres. I am whole heartedly behind him on this. I hope the EP give him the front page on his openning night”
by Steve, Mayals, Swansea
Friday, December 18 2009, 5:49AM
“It's a great idea, but I think a cafe would be a better idea than a wine bar. A lot of cities around the world, such as Taipei and Hong Kong, have embraced the cafe culture and in so doing have transformed the way youth spend their evenings. With coffee taking the place of alcohol as prefered drink for the under 30s, the streets of those cities are safe and their youth generally in a much better state of mind than their counterparts in the UK. Anyway, I wish the venture well, and hope it can be a catalysis to change the atmosphere of the Uplands. .”
by Matthew, Swansea
Thursday, December 17 2009, 10:46PM
“Sorry, Noah, not Noel :)”
by Matthew, Swansea
Thursday, December 17 2009, 10:44PM
“Noel is a top bloke. This is a great piece of news and I wish him every success. It's what the area needs.”