Campaigners to reopen the centre celebrated after the announcement

The building - at one time Wales' most popular attraction - was closed in November 2003 because of a repair bill, estimated at �14m.

Council leader Chris Holley said work on structural repairs would start on 28 February and would reopen next year.

The work will see features such as the pool upgraded with new attractions.

Money will also be spent on the exterior of the building, while the council is also to look at bringing in new facilities.

Officials will look at other leisure centres in the UK and Europe before making a final decision in May, working within a budget of �25m.

The leisure centre closed in 2003 over safety fears

"The closure of the leisure centre was a bitter pill for the people of Swansea to swallow," said Councillor Holley.

"It took away a well-loved and well-used facility. Over the last few days we have given the go-ahead for its re-opening.

"The leisure centre served our community for 25 years and it will for a further 25 years.

"The people of Swansea have told us what they think. We have listened to them, and we will deliver on their aspirations."

The leisure centre was opened by the Queen in 1977 and became a popular Swansea attraction, used by 750,000 people a year.

The centre included a swimming pool complex, wave machine, hydro-slide and indoor bowls green.

LEISURE CENTRE PLANS Fun pool to remain Sports hall to remain Fitness centre to remain Bowls centre to move to new building at Llandore

But it closed in November 2003 after councillors were told it would need �14m of repairs and only two months ago, it was recommended that the council demolish the leisure centre, saying it was "beyond economic use".

A 50-page report by officials recommended that demolition work should start in November, so as not to overshadow the opening of �30m National Waterfront Museum nearby.

Campaigners to reopen the leisure centre welcomed the move and celebrated with champagne.

Jan Phillips said: "The leisure centre has been given back to the people of Swansea, where it belonged in the first place."

David Rogers added: "It gave us friendship and camaraderie - there were some people who used the leisure centre frequently and it was their only time out of the house."

During his speech at the Dylan Thomas Centre on Wednesday morning, Mr Holley also revealed plans to open County Hall to the public by basing the city's central library there, along with an arts exhibition centre and seafront cafes.