Fforestfach facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fforestfach |
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 Fforestfach
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| OS grid reference | SS613956 |
| Principal area | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Country | Wales |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | SWANSEA |
| Postcode district | SA5 |
| Dialling code | 01792 |
| Police | South Wales |
| Fire | Mid and West Wales |
| Ambulance | Welsh |
| EU Parliament | Wales |
| UK Parliament |
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| Welsh Assembly |
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Fforestfach is a lively area in Swansea, Wales. It's a suburb that grew a lot during the Victorian times. It became an important place because of the coal mines nearby. You can find it between Waunarlwydd and Cwmbwrla. It includes smaller areas like Cadle and Ravenhill.
Today, Fforestfach has homes, small businesses, and big shopping areas. It's also easy to reach from the M4 motorway. Famous companies like Corgi Toys and Walkers Crisps used to have factories here. Now, local spots include the City of Swansea Gymnastic Club and Ravenhill Park. Nearby places are Portmead, Gendros, Waunarlwydd, and Penllergaer.
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A Look Back in Time
The village of Fforestfach first grew around a crossroads. This spot was called Fforestfach Cross. It was where the A483 (Carmarthen Road) met the A4216 from Cockett. Carmarthen Road was once an old turnpike road. This means it was a main road for mail coaches traveling between Swansea and Carmarthen.
Bethlehem Chapel is a historic building in the Cadle area. It was first built in 1840. The beautiful building you see today was built in 1866. It is now a Grade II listed building.
Shopping and Business
Fforestfach is a great place for shopping. It has a large shopping area outside the city centre. This area is mainly along Pontarddulais Road in Cadle. The shopping complex on the northeast side of Pontarddulais Road has been there since the 1970s. It is now known as "Pontarddulais Road Retail Park." In 2006, a Park and Ride service started. This helps shoppers get into Swansea city centre easily.
Another shopping area is Parc Fforest-Fach. This part developed in the early 2000s. The Tesco Extra store at Parc Fforestfach is very big. In 2003, it was the largest Tesco in Wales. It has even grown bigger since then!
The Swansea West Business Park is also in Fforestfach. It is the biggest industrial estate in Swansea built after World War II. About 140 businesses are located here. They provide jobs for around 1,500 people. There used to be a greyhound racing stadium here, but it is now closed.
Fun Places and Schools
Fforestfach has some great places for everyone. The City of Swansea Gymnastic Club is a popular spot. Ravenhill Park is another lovely place to visit. This park opened in 1931. It was created after Lowe's farm was bought for £4,170.
There's also a fun chocolate factory on the business park. It's called "The Chocolate Factory." You can take a tour there. They show you how chocolate is made. It's a sweet experience!
The local primary school for children in the area is Cadle Primary School. It is located on Middle Road.
Special Buildings
Some buildings in Fforestfach are very important. They are called Grade II listed buildings. This means they have special historical or architectural value. These buildings include:
- Capel Bethlehem, which includes its attached Vestry Block on Carmarthen Road.
- The Carmarthen Road War Memorial.
- The Walker Snack Food Factory on Pontarddulais Road.
Cockett Railway Station
The Cockett railway station is located nearby. It is not currently open for passengers. It is on the West Wales Line.
Greyhound Racing History
Fforestfach used to have two greyhound stadiums. Greyhound racing is a sport where dogs race around a track. The first stadium was called 'White City'. It was on Pen-llywn-eithen farm. It operated from 1929 until 1946. The second stadium was the Swansea Greyhound Stadium. It was on Ystrad Road and was open from 1949 until 2009.
