Trust worried leisure centre plan may endanger canal

Mike Gibbin hopes the canal will bring life into Swindon

Plans to redevelop a leisure centre could prevent a historic canal restoration project from going ahead, according to local campaigners.

The proposal to redevelop the Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon have sparked concern from the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust.

The Oasis Leisure Centre closed in October 2020 after its operator, GLL, claimed it was no longer viable.

The canal trust said they fear the new plans will not leave enough space to expand the canal into that area.

Ms Ford said the benefits of a canal community are "phenomenal"

Chloe Ford, Swindon branch chair at the trust, said: "We're really putting pressure on them to say we can be a real benefit to them. The benefits of a canal community are phenomenal."

Prior to its closure, the site had attracted crowds to its sporting facilities as well as for events and music.

In May 2024, Swindon Borough Council and developer Seven Capital came to an agreement and began paving the way for the venue's long-awaited reopening.

Seven Capital has submitted plans to demolish the existing sports hall and squash courts to make way for all-weather multi-use sports pitches.

It has also proposed more than 700 flats, a new gym, café, bowling alley, indoor golf and circulation core on the site.

However, the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is speaking out against those plans, saying there will not be enough space to expand the canal into that area.

Stephen Court said canals bring nature into the town

Mike Gibbin, chief executive at the trust, said: "There's concerns about the width of the canal which goes past the new development by the Oasis centre."

He added that alongside the canal there also needs to be space for a towpath, which can be used as access for cyclists and pedestrians as well.

"We think about 150,000 people walk the towpath in Swindon alone," Mr Gibbin added.

Stephen Court, who films YouTube videos about canal restorations across the country, said: "If you know Swindon, you know how run-down it has become over the past two years.

"The canal brings so much life into the town, it brings nature into the town.

"Swindon is desperate for that."

Seven Capital said in a statement: "We are engaging with The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, however as we are still at very early stages in planning, no confirmation can be given either way on the matter at this point in time."

"It's a huge historic part of Swindon," Mr Gibbin added.

"The canal and its route originally where here to move materials when they built the Great Western Railway.

"It creates a lovely environment for the community. It creates an environment for attracting tourists as well.

"A lot of people realise that Swindon needs some investment and vision to regenerate it and we would like to be part of that."