Council vows to support empty Patti
COUNCIL chiefs have vowed to help find a match for the lonely Patti Pavilion.
They said they would continue to support private developer Andgreen in its bid to sign up a tenant for the refurbished Victorian building, near the Brynmill seafront.
Council leader Chris Holley said: "We are working very hard to get tenants — it's not just the developer. Everyone is doing what they can."
But concerns have been voiced about the lack of toilets and a kitchen within the listed building, and there are suggestions among some that the proposed annual rent is too steep.
Councillor Holley agreed with Andgreen director Mark Andrews that the recession was to blame for its continued lack of occupation.
The listed building has lain empty for nearly a year after a revamp costing almost £2 million, despite some firms coming very close to signing. The council is the freeholder of the site, and Andgreen has a 150-year ground lease.
Former hotelier David Roberts, of nearby Uplands, said he's been made aware of the proposed annual rent at the Patti, and felt it was too high. Part of the figure would be based on the building's rateable value.
He pointed out the Patti didn't have the captive market of restaurants such as Verdi's, Castellamare and Langland Brasserie, and didn't have ideal road access from Oystermouth Road if you're heading from city centre, because you have to turn right beforehand and complete a loop.
The new-look Patti, set in Victoria Park, has a hall and restaurant area.
New parking over the road has proved popular with skateboarders.
Ward councillor Peter May said people in Swansea held the Patti close to their hearts.
But he felt it was unfair to criticise the developers for not installing certain facilities, because no-one could be sure exactly what type of company would one day occupy it.
"It was left flexible for that reason," said Councillor May. "I don't think criticism is justified."
He added: "It just seems that extra push is needed now."
Fellow Uplands councillor Janet Thomas said: "I am sorry that it hasn't taken off. The recession probably hasn't helped."
6 Comments
by Bogoff, Swansea
Friday, September 11 2009, 1:25PM
“How can Peter May 'justify' his own comments!? As he lives close to the Patti, he can go home when he gets the 'runs' (unless he feels he can help the nearby Cricket Club at the St. Helens Ground when he gets the 'urge')!
It would appear that the Council were too flexible to the Developers in not insisting that toilets and a kitchen were installed! Perhaps Swansea Council has forgotten that unless we, the General Public, attend the Patti, then it will not be a success and not having basic amenities would be a reason to deter such patronage. It is a pity that the General Public were not at the centre of the Council's mindset, when the Developers were given the go ahead to omit basic amenities! Perhaps the General Public attendees at the Patti, are to be expected to 'fertilise' the surrounding Flora and Fauna, without the threat of arrest!?”
by jon, Uplands
Friday, September 11 2009, 6:42AM
“very random
It has a Restaurant with no kitchen
so what they cook in a porta cabin ??
even better put a Mc donalds drive through order post in there and they deliver it when its ready. via the FTR, yer that could work.
but if you need the toilet youll have to go to number 20 down the road and ask Politely...
i mean the uni can even use it for exams as you have to have toilet facilities for that. oh dear...”
by ian, swansea
Thursday, September 10 2009, 10:18PM
“build a bridge from the seafront over to victoria park and the patti or wasn't there one there before called the slip bridge.”
by Harold, West Wales
Thursday, September 10 2009, 7:37PM
“Sort it out!!! Such a historical landmark should be marketed to the full and why not make it into a small theatre a la the Taliesin”
by Mike, Swansea Valley
Thursday, September 10 2009, 6:44PM
“Peter May might be immaculate in his bowels but the rest of us are human. Toilets are a pretty basic requirement no matter how flexible the design. Who the hell approved the plans anyway? I am told that Peter May is also the local cabinet minister responsible for housing? Gawd elp us.”
by clarysage50, Somerset
Thursday, September 10 2009, 5:26PM
“Now, let me get this straight.....the Pattie has a 'hall' and 'restaurant area' but no toilet facilities??? I would have thought that whatever type of company eventually occupying this building would need toilet facilities at the very least!! I mean, even warehouse facilities provide toilets!!! I seem to recall that there were toilets in the Pattie in the 1950s - what have users been doing since for toliets? Unless of course the occupiers were meant to cross over to the beach for the purposes......”