Work to start shortly on new Swansea watersports venue

Paul Dancey on 10/01/2012

Work is due to get under-way shortly on a £1.4m scheme to establish Swansea Bay as a new Centre of Excellence for water-sports. The project is being funded by the Wales European Funding Office, the Welsh Government through Visit Wales and the Regeneration Area programme.

The water-sports centre will be located on the Swansea Promenade, opposite St Helen's, and the work being undertaken will also include replacing the existing Council building at Knab Rock with a purpose-built facility that will include public toilets, showering facilities, changing rooms, an office and a tourism information distribution point.

Kite-surfing, kite-buggying and stand-up paddle boarding are among the activities proposed for the new venue, with lifesaving courses also expected to be run from the centre.

Swansea Council cabinet member for culture, recreation and tourism Graham Thomas said: "Most people would agree that Swansea's best asset is our spectacular bay and seaside scenery.

"But we need to maximise its potential and these schemes will help Swansea continue to build on its reputation as an outstanding location for water-sports and tourism."

"We're delighted to be working in close partnership with the Welsh Government on another hugely positive project for the city."

Figures are said to show that tourism in Swansea Bay is currently worth £317 million to the local economy, and it is hoped that this scheme will further enhance Swansea Bay's reputation as a major water-sports tourist destination.

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