Swansea Bay's new watersports centre is set to break ground early in the new year
A contractor has been appointed for the facility on the prom opposite St Helen's, which will house changing rooms, showers, toilets, and an area to store specialist watersports equipment.
Kite-surfing, kite-buggying and stand-up paddle boarding are among the activities that could feature at the centre.
Lifesaving courses could also be run from the building.
Graham Thomas, Swansea Council's cabinet member for culture, recreation and tourism, 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 watersports and tourism.
"We're delighted to be working in close partnership with the Welsh Government on another hugely positive project for the city."
OPCO Construction will build the centre as well as 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.
Work on both projects should be complete by the end of July 2012.
They form part of a £1.4 million scheme to make Swansea Bay a Watersports Centre of Excellence that is being funded by the Wales European Funding Office as well as the Welsh Government through Visit Wales and the Regeneration Area programme.
Mumbles Community Council is also making a contribution towards the Knab Rock scheme.
A Swansea Council spokesman added: "The contractors have now started putting in their site compound at the seafront pay and display car park opposite St Helen's in readiness for the New Year.
"This is why part of the car park has been fenced off.
"The compound will only take up part of the car park and the exit and entrance won't be affected by the works."
South Wales Evening Post - 23rd December 2011
