Project of the week

St Luke’s was a former Anglican church built in neo-Gothic style by Cardiff based architect E. Bruce Vaughan. The Grade II-listed building was used continuously for worship from its opening in 1889 up until 2014, at which point it was deemed unviable to keep open and was subsequently put up for auction. During this time, the building suffered water ingress and its condition worsened. It was soon saved from further deterioration, however, when Circus Eruption – a free integrated youth charity in Swansea – stated an interest in it.  

Circus Eruption had previously benefitted from charity let opportunities, but the insecurity of tenure resulted in a series of consecutive moves, highlighting the need for a permanent base.

In April 2019, the charity purchased the former St Luke’s Church. Following necessary access works and repairs, the building reopened in October 2021 as Circus Eruption’s headquarters, from which it could continue to deliver and grow its youth-focused inclusion work.

Today, the sensitively adapted former St Luke’s Church is a large, safe, and supportive space for young people to learn circus skills. Circus Eruption is now turning its attention to a separate church hall located to the north of the building, which it hopes to transform into a community facility, with flexible spaces, storage, additional toilets and a kitchen.

“We believe that this building and our small inclusion charity (Circus Eruption) have secured one another’s future! We’re inspired by the building’s past, value its importance to people locally, and will ensure it serves communities long into the future. Diolch yn fawr iawn / thanks so much, AHF, for your support and funding throughout.”

- Karen Chalk, Director of Circus Eruption 

Watch a series of short films from Circus Eruption about its forever home.