South Wales Evening Post - 29 September 2005
The thought is nice, but more critical observers may conclude it is somewhat naive to speculate that the multi-million pound revamp of Swansea Leisure Centre will be a catalyst in turning around the city's fortunes.
The £25 million investment in the centre is unlikely to be the magic wand which transforms what is currently something of an ugly duckling into a vibrant 21st Century city centre of Swansea.
Swansea Business Club President John Collins means well when he speaks of the leisure centre, the new National Waterfront Museum and The New Stadium pulling people into the city.
His hope is that "if visitors come to Swansea they will spend money in the city . . . "Wishing it, however, won't make it come true, Mr Collins.
The scale of the task which faces Swansea is starkly illustrated by the news that another store in the city - Allsports - is at risk.
Swansea's problem is wrestling with the cruel forces at work in the High Street today.
Getting shops and people back into the city centre is target number one. Jump-starting the beating heat of Swansea is vital to ensure the rest of the city thrives.
