Deal signed to redevelop much-loved leisure centre

Campaigners from Save Oasis Swindon say the leisure centre is a "jewel" in Swindon's crown

An agreement between a council and developer has been signed, paving the way for the long-awaited reopening of a leisure centre.

The deal would allow developer Seven Capital to build houses on land near Swindon's Oasis in return for providing the millions of pounds of renovations needed to bring the derelict centre back to life.

The new development agreement - first proposed six months ago - has now been signed with the firm which owns the site, the council leader has told the BBC.

"The next big thing is going to be getting to the planning application stage," said councillor Jim Robbins.

"We'll do everything we can at the council to make that happen as quickly as possible," he said, adding that the site was now listed.

The signed agreement marks a step forward in efforts to bring back the much-loved centre which closed in 2020 - but it is all still subject to planning permission.

The developer, Seven Capital, will fund the centre's £20m renovation

The Oasis first opened in 1976 and became an iconic place drawing crowds from around the area.

People would visit not only for the pool, but also for events and music.

However, the building closed in October 2020 after operator GLL claimed it was unviable.

Swindon Borough Council voted in November to support a £20m proposal to reopen it as part of an agreement with developer Seven Capital in exchange for being allowed to build homes on land nearby.

The plans would preserve the listed elements of the pool area and dome, but the sports and concert venue would be knocked down.

Swindon Borough Council is due to reveal further details about the deal on Friday.

It hopes to get the centre reopen in 2026, its 50th anniversary.

The agreement comes as opposition councillors have been raising concerns over the site’s security, with teenagers recently spotted climbing on the roof.