A shattered window, damaged door and anti-vax graffiti: The sorry state of the Big Apple in Mumbles

It is one of the best known landmarks in Swansea. An iconic feature from the heyday of seaside entertainment, 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’s there to stay. You can read more about that by clicking here. You can also sign up to the latest newsletters featuring articles from the Swansea area by clicking here.

But these days, it only takes a stroll past the ‘apple’ to see it’s a shadow of its former self. A shattered window, a buckled door and even graffiti reading ‘No to vaccines’ are among the signs it has sadly become a target for vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

READ MORE:Pig stys, loos, a giant apple and other Swansea buildings that can never be knocked down

It is not the only time the landmark has been 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.

A spokeswoman for Mumbles Pier revealed to WalesOnline that a full renovation of the exterior of the Big Apple was planned for after the Easter holidays. And they are also on the lookout for new tenants to run it for the upcoming summer season.

A statement read: “The Big Apple is a big part of our heritage at Mumbles Pier and with all our landmarks we are always working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure their survival. Unfortunately, over the past year it has been subjected to vandalism, as well being damaged by a car crashing into its side.

“However, the future survival of the Big Apple is always of utmost priority at Mumbles Pier and we are happy to announce that a full renovation of the exterior of the apple is planned for after the Easter holidays ready for the summer season. In fact, we are actually looking for new tenants for the Apple for this season so visitors to the area can see the Apple in its full glory once again. Any interested tenants we would ask to please get in touch.”