A multi-million pound leisure complex earmarked for closure is now being considered for listed building status.

Cadw, the Welsh ancient monuments agency, visited Wrexham’s Waterworld to assess whether it should be preserved for future generations.

The town centre facility, famous for its award winning saddle style roof design, could be closed alongside Plas Madoc Leisure Centre and replaced by a new £11.8m complex as Wrexham council looks to save £13.8m this year.

Councillors are due to make a decision on the closure of the two leisure centres on Tuesday February 14, with a major protest ongoing against the closure of Plas Madoc.

A Wrexham council spokeswoman said: “Cadw have been called to assess whether it should be a listed building. If it is given listed building status then before anything could be done it would require listed building consent.”

Even if listed status is awarded, a new complex could be built and Waterworld left to stand empty.

No decision has been taken by Cadw. Yesterday a spokesman for the historic monuments agency said: “ We have been asked by several members of the public to consider listing Waterworld Leisure Centre in Wrexham.

“We are currently in the process of considering this request, including a site visit, and a decision will be taken in due course.”

The leisure centre has spilt opinion, with critics branding it an eyesore and supporters claiming it is an iconic structure.

Public opinion reflected that yesterday. Nicci Burns, from Wrexham, said: “Why not its a landmark.”

Lesley Kenton Griffin, from Wrexham, said:  “It is hardly of historical importance. It seems crazy that Cadw are considering this.”

Karen Woodham, from Towyn, said: “They should be putting their efforts in to save the last Victorian building in Rhyl.

Marc Jones, who has been campaigning to keep Plas Madoc Leisure Centre open, said: “The most important thing is to keep the facilities inside going.”

Examples of iconic, modern, listed buildings include Glyndwr University, Wrexham, Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones and the Roman Catholic church in Amlwch.