Sporting body objects to loss of indoor facilities

Developers say the ambitious refurbishment of the Oasis leisure centre is a "core priority"

A government-appointed sporting body has objected to the loss of facilities in a leisure centre refurbishment plan.

The Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon closed in October 2020 after its operator GLL claimed it was unviable, citing "enforced closures" in lockdown.

New owner Seven Capital has submitted a planning application to demolish the existing sports hall and squash courts to make way for all-weather multi-use sports pitches.

However, Sport England say the plans "lack justification" and go against national plans to keep sports facilities open.

The iconic leisure centre opened in 1976 but has since fallen into disrepair

Seven Capital's application proposes to cover the existing pool dome with a modern 'skin', using the same technology as the Eden Project domes in Cornwall.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, it also plans to introduce a café, gym, bowling alley and indoor golf as 'dry side' facilities.

Seven Capital added the existing sports hall "is not thermally efficient and would need very significant investment to repair and upgrade" and as such, where the sports hall now stands, two all-weather multi-use sports pitches will be laid instead.

But Sport England say the application fails to consider the latest guidance from the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which states sports facilities, playing fields and buildings should not be built on unless they have been shown to be surplus to requirements, or will be replaced by equal or better provision.

Sport England say the current application lacks "detail in the layout and explanation on how the centre will work"

The objection letter states: "Sport England objects to this application, as it is not considered to meet the objective of keeping sports facilities open.

"There is lack of justification for the loss of the squash and sports hall."

The quango said it is willing to work with Swindon Borough Council to find a replacement strategy for the indoor sports facilities.

It added: "Sport England will reconsider its position if the applicants can provide robust justification for the loss of the sports provision or replace it either wholly off site, or partially on-site or partially off site."

The deadline for public comments on the application is 12 January.