Swansea Leisure Center, Swansea

The Swansea Leisure Centre, now known as The LC, is a landmark leisure facility located in the heart of Swansea. Originally built on the site of the former Swansea Victoria railway station, the center was first opened by Queen Elizabeth II during her Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977. At its peak, Swansea Leisure Centre became one of Wales' premier tourist attractions, drawing more than 800,000 visitors annually, and was home to the first wave machine ever installed in a leisure center in the country.

In 2003, the center closed, marking the loss of a significant recreational hub for locals and tourists alike. However, after a £32 million renovation, Swansea Council revitalized the space, transforming it into a state-of-the-art facility. Rebranded as The LC, the center reopened to the public on 1 March 2008, with the official ceremony performed once again by Queen Elizabeth II on 7 March 2008.

The LC now boasts an array of modern amenities, including a waterpark with thrilling slides, a surf simulator, a 30-foot climbing wall, an indoor play area, a multipurpose sports and exhibition hall, and dedicated exercise areas. Additionally, the center includes a spa and sauna section for relaxation. Notably, The LC served as an official training facility for the 2012 London Olympics, further cementing its role as a vital part of Swansea's recreational infrastructure.

The building itself underwent a visual transformation during its renovation, with its dated concrete panels replaced by sleek glass, translucent glazing, and timber paneling. The center's logo, designed to be intentionally ambiguous, represents various elements of the Swansea landscape, as well as the water and adventure features inside.

Today, The LC stands as one of Swansea’s most recognizable and cherished landmarks, offering an engaging mix of activities for visitors of all ages.