Oasis renovation is our priority, says developer

This is how the Oasis could look once renovated

A developer has denied claims that plans to renovate an iconic but closed leisure centre are secondary to building hundreds of homes.

The Oasis in Swindon has been closed since 2020 but Seven Capital has plans to redevelop it along with up to 710 new homes.

Campaign groups wanting to see it reopen have questioned where Seven Capital's priorities lie.

The group's managing director, Damien Siviter, told BBC Radio Wiltshire: "This is about bringing the Oasis back."

He continued: "I think what we're proposing here is a sustainable long-term plan for the Oasis for people to enjoy for many years to come.

"There is a wave machine in there, there was a wave machine before.

"We're putting some new state-of-the-art slides in there to replace the old ones, and we're keeping the form of the dome in line with the heritage of the building."

The developer insists renovating the Oasis will be the priority

Responding to claims on social media that the Oasis was not Seven Capital's core interest on the site, Mr Siviter told BBC Radio Wiltshire: "I think that would be grossly unfair.

"The Oasis has been the core, and that's why none of the rest of the land has been brought forward to date - because we're making sure the Oasis is in a form that's acceptable and useable."

Members of the public were invited to view plans for the development at an in-person session with Seven Capital's project leaders on Tuesday.

Campaigner and long-time Oasis user Annie told BBC Radio Wiltshire she felt Swindon residents had been "stitched up" by how long the Oasis had been closed.

"In the meantime, it's a fast growing town with so many young people, you have to go somewhere else," she said.

In addition to refurbishing the famous dome, plans include aqua play, a bowling alley, indoor golf, a gym and a café.

The developers have also announced further plans for two new commercial opportunities, which could support up to 630 new jobs, with 90% being full-time employment opportunities.

The Oasis previously closed in October 2020 after its then operator GLL claimed it was unviable.