Oasis Centre planning application by end of the year

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

A planning application for a rebuilt Oasis Centre in Swindon is expected before the end of 2024, according to the site’s owners.

Seven Capital has launched a new website where the plans will be displayed when they are available and get feedback from residents.

A company spokesman said: “The planning submission will be in line with the development agreement between Seven Capital and Swindon Borough Council and is expected later this year."

The target for re-opening the new centre is 2026, the 50th anniversary of when it first opened in 1976.

The Oasis became an iconic location drawing crowds from around the area for the pool, but also for events and music.

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

In May this year, an agreement between Swindon Borough Council and Seven Capital was signed, paving the way for the long-awaited reopening.

The centre has been subject to neglect and vandalism since it closed in 2020

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

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

Seven Capital was awarded a 99-year lease on the site about 10 years ago, so the company is the effective owner, even though Swindon Borough Council owns the land.

The new website currently consists of just two pages, with a form to fill in to provide Seven Capital with details such as name, phone number and email address.

A spokesman for the company said: “Once plans have been submitted the website will be populated with information for residents to view in their own time and provide feedback via an online form should they be unable or prefer not to attend in-person consultation events.

“Further information on planning submission and subsequent consultation dates and venue will be provided in due course.”