LC group to make a splash at new watersports centre
THE group behind the success of the LC is set to take the reins of a new watersports and beach centre in Swansea Bay.
Not-for-profit company Bay Leisure is teaming up with Swansea University to run the venture, which is set to open opposite St Helen's in the autumn.
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An artist’s impression of the watersports centre
By partnering with existing watersports businesses in the area, the centre will offer a range of sports to all abilities, such as windsurfing, kayaking, kite surfing, open water swimming and paddle boarding.
Work has already begun on the as-yet-unnamed centre and facilities will also include a café, changing facilities, toilets and a multi-function room on site.
It will also include a Changing Places toilet for use by people with multiple or profound disabilities.
Richard Proctor, chief executive of Bay Leisure, said: "This development is a great coup for Swansea and provides the city with an excellent opportunity to develop Swansea's reputation as providing some of the best watersports experiences in the UK. With the addition of the beach-based activities, this centre will be a great asset to the local community.
"We hope to make it even easier to have a go at a wide range of sports and activities, all available right on your doorstep."
He added: "We have successfully operated the LC for nearly four years and as a result we are highly experienced at promoting sports and leisure services to both the local community and to tourist markets. We are proud to play such a fundamental role in enhancing, improving and developing the sport and leisure offering for people living in and visiting Swansea.
Paul Robinson, head of commercial services at Swansea University, said: "We are committed to the city and to improving access to sport and recreation for all. This contract gives us the chance to engage, involve and inspire people from all walks of life and is an opportunity that we fully embrace."
Swansea Council awarded the management contract to the Bay Leisure and Swansea University partnership. There will be no financial assistance or subsidy from the council and any profits made will be re-invested back into the centre.
The centre is being funded by the Welsh Government through Visit Wales as part of its Coastal Tourism programme and backed by the European Regional Development Fund and the Regeneration Area Programme.
Graham Thomas, Swansea Council cabinet member for culture, recreation and tourism, said: "This centre for watersports is part of a package of projects that will make Swansea Bay a centre of excellence for watersports. Swansea already has a terrific reputation as a home to watersports activity and this centre will further raise the city's profile.
"I'm sure the working partnership with Bay Leisure and Swansea University will lead to a successful venture that will enhance Swansea's status as a must-visit destination for outdoor activities."
helen.keates@swwmedia.co.uk
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by weslangdon
Sunday, February 26 2012, 12:43PM
“shame about the water quality in Swansea Bay
http://tinyurl.com/7ua3huy”
by robcentral
Friday, February 24 2012, 9:39AM
“The Evening Post editorial asked for a new name. How about WE for White Elephant. I cannot see how it is going to work at this location, due to the distance from the beach at low tide and the level of water at High tide! It may be of use for adrelain junkies but this area is an important food resource for wading birds both the resident Oystercatchers and migrants like Dunlis & Bar Tailed Godwits. Apart from that you only have to turn to face St Helens to see that there are other areas in need of funding, including the wall, which is a maze of cracks. Also what about the slip bridge? We have lost an historic & visual resource and all we are left with are the stranded brick parapets. The Slip Bridge must be replaced. Personally I feel this is another project that will starve other areas of the city of much needed funds, and the council should stop poncing about with this type of project; bite the bullet, ditch this and the bendy bus and reinstate the Mumbles Railway as a mass transit system from the east side of Swansea to Mumbles. By inccoporating a Heritage element they should be able to attract funding from many sources and finally do some thing that will of real benfit to the majority of Swansea rate payers, not merely a few.”
by dick_e
Friday, February 24 2012, 12:21AM
“Sound a great project. Swansea beach is a beautiful stretch and it will be good to see more people using it”
by abertawegolf2
Friday, February 24 2012, 12:10AM
“I've often called for some input along our stretch of coast line, especially after County Hall to Mumbles. Nice to see there are people out there who do listen and try and make a difference, instead of the chaff who fail to see that some form of constructive investment, will bring in tourists. I'm dead chuffed here and congratulate those that orchestrated this.”
by huwwuh
Thursday, February 23 2012, 10:26PM
“The seafront needs policing in the summer months to move the drinkers and the druggies along. It's no pleasure down there on a Sunday afternoon.”
by chelsea1955
Thursday, February 23 2012, 10:03PM
“About time Swansea thought about using the sea front, 5 miles of wasted coast line, at last someone as seen the jewel in the crown for Swansea, only city/town with a 5 mile beach and not used to full potential”
by hafodsam
Thursday, February 23 2012, 2:51PM
“So how is this going to operate with all those motorbikes running back and forth on the beach?”
by TaipeiSteve
Thursday, February 23 2012, 1:12PM
“If it an aesthetically pleasing and environmentally sound structure, then it is a fantastic idea. There is also an added bonus that the facility will be run by a Swansea based, not-for –profit company.
During this time of economic hardship, the city really has to extend itself to pull in the punters, and our beaches and stunning country-side are really the aces in the pack of attractions. I hope the council can appreciate this and use them well.”
by SAswan
Thursday, February 23 2012, 1:09PM
“Patti Raj,watersports centre,now sort out the slip bridge as well !!!!!!!!!!!”
by westcoastswan
Thursday, February 23 2012, 1:00PM
“Cafe and toilets are much needed on the seafront.
Another watersports centre should be built on the banks of the river tawe for the rowing club, kayaking and as a stop for future boat trips and water taxis.”