Oasis Leisure Centre handed over before £65m revamp

The Oasis houses a pool, gym and sports hall

A developer has taken control of Swindon's Oasis Leisure Centre ahead of a planned revamp which will bring an indoor ski slope to the town.

Swindon Borough Council and Moirai Capital Investment Ltd have signed a £65m deal, which will also see a water park and concert arena built.

The first phase of the scheme will see the leisure centre's distinctive dome roof replaced.

About 1,700 jobs will be created and the work will start in the summer.

The council has granted Moirai four long-term leases covering the Oasis and the former Clare's Equipment warehouse site.

If targets are not met in delivering the new facilities, the council has the right to take back the leases.

The council hopes that once completed, the development will be a "major regional leisure destination" attracting an estimated four million visitors a year.