Kite-surfing, kite-buggying and stand-up paddle boarding are among the activities that could feature at the centre
Kite Riding in Swansea Bay
Lifesaving courses could also be run from the building.
The watersports centre will be located on the Swansea Promenade, opposite St Helen's.
A contractor has now been appointed for a facility that will include changing rooms, showers, toilets, a multi-functional space and an area to store specialist watersports equipment.
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's 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.
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.
Swansea Council is supporting the project.
Cllr 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."
Figures show tourism in Swansea Bay is worth a staggering £317 million to the local economy.
The most recent statistics released by STEAM (The Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor) show visitors to Swansea Bay spent three per cent more in 2010 than in 2009 and that the increase is mirrored in the number of people employed in tourism across the destination.
Image courtesy of Gower Kite Riders.
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Watersports centre works to start soon 
