• Swindon & Wiltshire Property
• Monday May 20 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Deal signed to redevelop Swindon’s iconic Oasis

An agreement that could see Swindon’s iconic Oasis leisure centre returned to its former glory has been signed.

The deal allows site owner and developer SevenCapital to build houses on land near the Oasis in return for providing the millions of pounds needed to bring the derelict facility back to life.

Once the refurbishment works and lease have been completed, the Oasis and North Star sites would be sold to SevenCapital, with Swindon Borough Council having the option to purchase the refurbished Oasis.

The council has stressed that as part of the development agreement safeguards are in place to retain the swimming pool’s popular slides and a wave machine, while the lease to the tenant will also include a 10-year keep open clause.

It is anticipated a planning application for the Oasis will be submitted in the third quarter of this year.

The parties hope to have the Oasis open in time for its 50th anniversary in 2026.

Councillor Jim Robbins, leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “I am really pleased that after many months of working with SevenCapital we have delivered a deal which will not just see the Oasis reopened, but will preserve the famous dome, the wave machine and of course the fabulous slides that were synonymous with the facility for so many years.

“These were what local people said they cherished most about the leisure centre and we have made keeping them a priority.

“We have also inserted a buy-back option for the Oasis and a keep-open clause because it is vital we have safeguards in place to ensure what has happened previously does not happen again.

“We are closer than we have ever been to seeing the Oasis reopened for local people to enjoy once again and now the ball is firmly in SevenCapital’s court to agree a lease with a tenant and confirm the specifications that will give the Oasis a long-term sustainable future.

“I look forward to seeing the planning application coming forward later this year.”

Damien Siviter, group managing director at SevenCapital added: “SevenCapital and Swindon Borough Council have a mutual goal of breathing new life into the Oasis for the community and future generations to enjoy.

“We’re delighted to have reached this agreement, which marks a positive step forward, and look forward to a continued close working partnership with the Council as we push ahead with our plans.”

The Oasis opened in 1976. An irregular-shaped pool with wave machine and water slides – designed to appeal to families – sat under a distinctive glass dome described by Historic England as “a sophisticated and architecturally striking structure which provides a dramatic setting for the pool within.”

In 1987 three further slides – including the longest waterslide in the UK – were added. The Oasis became the most visited attraction in Wiltshire.

In 2020 it was announced that the centre – which had closed during the pandemic – would not reopen. A local campaign to save the facility was launched and the Twentieth Century Society placed the site on its ‘Top 10 Buildings at Risk of Demolition’ list.

In 2021 the dome and pool were awarded Listed Building status. Discussions between Swindon Borough Council and SevenCapital to bring the facility back to life began last year.