Swindon Oasis plans include hundreds of new homes

The Oasis leisure centre could be up and running by early 2026

The long-awaited refurbishment of an iconic but derelict leisure centre is set to move forward as new plans for hundreds of new homes are unveiled.

Proposals from regeneration specialists Seven Capital say they will "revive" Oasis leisure centre, in Swindon, along with up to 710 new homes and other amenities as part of a new neighbourhood, with the leisure centre at its heart.

Leaseholders Seven Capital and the landowners Swindon Borough Council hope to reopen the venue in 2026.

Council leader Jim Robbins said they looked forward to people "enjoying Oasis again".

An agreement between the council and Seven Capital was signed in May this year.

It allows the developer to build houses on land near the leisure centre in return for providing the millions of pounds of renovations needed to bring the derelict centre back to life.

A public consultation for residents and businesses to comment on the plans was set to go online on Wednesday.

A public exhibition is also set to take place on Tuesday at Swindon and Wiltshire Institute of Technology.

The Oasis was the last remaining example of a leisure pool from the 1970s

The Oasis was opened on New Year's Day in 1976. Designed by Gillinson Barnet & Partners, it was described by the Royal Institute of British Architects as a "fantasy structure, its half-submerged dome resembling a flying saucer".

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.

In addition to refurbishing Oasis's well-known dome, plans include state-of-the-art aqua play, a bowling alley, indoor golf, a gym and café spaces.

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

'Very special place'

Mr Robbins said: “Hopefully, the most overwhelming thing is people will want to see the Oasis come back.

"People can take their kids there, take them swimming, have those same memories they’ve had for themselves with their own families."

The refurbishment of the Oasis would be the first phase of delivery before anything else is built, Seven Capital said.

Damien Siviter, group managing director at SevenCapital, said: "We know the Oasis centre is a very special place for families across Swindon and further afield.

"Our team has worked extremely hard to find a way to restore and re-open it in a way which enhances and maintains both the heritage and cultural significance of the building."