Plan to rejuvenate the Oasis in balance after listing application
This is what a rejuvenated Oasis Leisure Centre could look like if plans to give it a multi-million pound upgrade come to fruition.
Published: Tuesday, 16th March 2021
Swindon Borough Council is working closely with SevenCapital to secure the future of the much-loved leisure centre for decades to come and this CGI image shows how it could be transformed into a regional waterpark facility.
Detailed proposals are currently being drawn up, which would see a masterplan created for the surrounding site with a significantly improved Oasis forming the centrepiece of the development.
Despite this, an application to Historic England to grant the leisure centre listed status could scupper any hope of giving the Oasis a sustainable future.
Councillor David Renard, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “I would like to assure residents we are doing all we can to give the Oasis a sustainable future because it is an iconic leisure venue and has brought so much joy to local residents and visitors alike over the past four decades.
“However, its age is part of the problem as it needs many millions of pounds spent on it to modernise it and make it viable.
“We have been working closely behind the scenes with SevenCapital, who have a long lease of the Oasis, to come up with a plan to get the leisure centre back open and this CGI image shows how the Oasis could be brought right back up to date and attract people from far and wide into our town. All that will be in vain if this listing application is successful.
“We have made joint representations with SevenCapital to Historic England to ensure the modernisation of the Oasis can take place so future generations can continue to enjoy it for many years to come.”
SevenCapital, said: “We are deeply committed to coming up with a resolution and long-term viable solution for the Oasis.
“We have made good progress and we believe with considerable investment and continued support from Swindon Borough Council we can turn the Oasis into a major leisure attraction once again.
“The biggest threat at present to this is the potential for its listing following an application to Historic England. The reason for this is that the centre needs considerable work and investment.
“Should it become listed then, unfortunately, the very thing that intends to save the Oasis will actually become the reason for its permanent demise as it would prevent the necessary works being carried out.”