Plans for Swansea’s £1.3bn (US$1.6bn, €1.5bn) tidal lagoon have been backed by a government-commissioned independent review, with a number of conclusions suggesting further development across the UK if the project is a success.

The innovative renewable energy scheme, which will also features an oyster hatchery, visitor centre and watersport centre, will be the world’s first tidal lagoon to generate clean electricity.

The report makes more than 30 recommendations and conclusions in delivering a tidal lagoon and bringing maximum benefit to the UK, including a competitive tender process for large scale tidal lagoons, the establishment of a Tidal Power Authority and that local economic regeneration would follow a tidal lagoon.

The leisure aspects of the Swansea project are seen as being key to the overall proposition. As part of the masterplan, the lagoon will feature an international watersport centre and oyster hatchery designed by FaulknerBrowns.

Inspired by traditional fishing warehouses and boathouses, the 4,000sq m (43,056sq ft) building for the watersport and hatchery will include sports facilities, changing rooms and boat storage. The project will also feature an eco-focused offshore visitor centre, with exhibition space, a lecture theatre, a café and educational facilities.

Juice Architects has led the design of the visitor centre, working alongside Evolve, LDA Design, Atkins Global and Costain. The design is based on oysters, with the structure offering the appearance of a series of shells.

It is hoped if the Swansea project is a success, a network of lagoons could be set up around the UK coast, harnessing clean energy from the sea's tides.