'Millennium Centre' costs row

Council leaders say the sketch shows their ambitions for the site

An eight-storey futuristic landmark building will replace Swansea's leisure centre, if council leaders get their way.

Dubbed the city's "Millennium Centre" by designers, Swansea council has released a concept drawing of the type of development it wants to see occupy the site.

The plans were released shortly before a campaigner fighting on a platform to save the existing leisure centre lost a council by-election.

Plaid Cymru's Adrian Rees was elected in the Cockett ward, with leisure centre supporter Gerald Murphy fourth. There was a small net swing to Plaid in a ward where the party already held the other three seats.

It was likely to be the last poll in Wales before local council elections on 10 June.

We need a bit more if we are to accept that this is a credible attempt to get an important new facility for Swansea Liberal Democrat Peter Black

The new building design, which includes a swimming pool, fitness centre, 3,000-seat conference and concert venue plus hotel, has already provoked a political row.

Liberal Democrat councillor and Assembly Member Peter Black was concerned the proposal would be shelved if it was impractical to finance and build.

Council cabinet member for development Byron Owen said the design was only a guide aimed at showing what could be achieved on the land.

"This concept drawing has been commissioned to show the possible design and scale of the new building," said Mr Owen.

The existing leisure centre was one of Wales' top attractions

"The leisure centre is on a landmark site and although we are not going to pre-determine the size and shape, this sketch shows how a 120ft high development would fit on the site."

The leisure centre was closed in November after council leaders and engineers said £14m was needed to keep it going.

Leading property agent CB Richard Ellis has since been hired to market the site to developers.

But Mr Black said: "Swansea council cannot be faulted for their ambition.

"However, we are getting used to seeing artists' impressions in this city that do not come to anything.

"We need a bit more if we are to accept that this is a credible attempt to get an important new facility for Swansea.

"The main question that needs to be answered is, how this development will be paid for?"