This is a sneak peak inside the new-look Swansea Leisure Centre.
Three years to the day since it closed, the Post yesterday got a glimpse of how work to restore one of the UK's most popular indoor attractions is going.Work on the new water park, at the heart of the £32 million project, is beginning to take shape.
Engineers have been busy pouring concrete and shaping the new fun pools. They expect to be finished by the new year when tiling and other work can begin.
Soon after the new slides, features and attractions will be installed.A lazy river, a Master Blaster uphill waterslide, a tipping bucket, wave machine and other attractions are all planned.
Council bosses say work is on time and on budget for completion in December next year.
It is a million miles away from three years ago. On November 13, 2003, Swansea was left stunned when the council announced the centre, which had been closed for a two-week inspection, would not reopen. Public outcry followed and Labour were ousted from power in the 2004 elections.
A subsequent investigation blamed a lack of programmed maintenance for allowing the centre to deteriorate into a dangerous and hazardous condition.
It had been scheduled for demolition until February 2005 when council leader Chris Holley unveiled plans to refurbish the centre.Work to rejuvenate the building is well underway. Council bosses hope to have it up and running by early 2008.
Councillor Holley said the centre was good news for the county.
He said yesterday: "Most of the work so far has taken place in the former pool area and out of the view of the public, but the changes have been dramatic.
"During the past three months the major work such as the piling and concrete reinforcement has been completed. This puts us in a strong position to complete the refurbishment in just over 12 months' time, which is great news for the people of Swansea."
Councillor Gerald Clement, cabinet member for culture, tourism and recreation, said bringing back the centre would have knock-on effects for Swansea.
He said: "It will be a fantastic attraction for tourists and the people of Swansea.
"The new water park, with a network of rides and pools, will be among the best water-based facilities in the country. The new state-of-the- art health and fitness suites will surpass anything currently on offer in Wales.
"We are not merely refurbishing the former leisure centre, we are creating a modern destination which will breathe new life into Swansea.
"Visitors will be able to go to the refurbished leisure centre and the nearby National Waterfront Museum and then stroll along Princess Way to the city centre."
