Swindon Borough Council has reached a significant milestone in the refurbishment of the Oasis Leisure Centre, signing a crucial development agreement with SevenCapital.
This agreement marks the beginning of a new chapter for the iconic facility, with plans set to be submitted later this year.
The newly signed agreement enables SevenCapital to finalise terms with a tenant who will operate Swindon’s beloved leisure centre and complete the necessary refurbishment works. Once these works and the lease are finalised, the Oasis and North Star sites will be sold to SevenCapital, with the Council retaining the option to repurchase the refurbished Oasis.
Key features of the development agreement include the retention of the swimming pool’s popular slides and wave machine, ensuring that these much-loved elements remain. Additionally, the lease with the new tenant will include a 10-year keep-open clause, providing a safeguard to ensure the facility remains operational and accessible to the public.
The planning application for the Oasis refurbishment is expected to be submitted in the third quarter of this year.
Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, expressed his satisfaction with the progress: “I am really pleased that after many months of working with SevenCapital we have delivered a deal which will not just see the Oasis reopened, but will preserve the famous dome, the wave machine, and of course the fabulous slides that were synonymous with the facility for so many years. These were what local people said they cherished most about the leisure centre and we have made keeping them a priority.
“We have also inserted a buy-back option for the Oasis and a keep-open clause because it is vital we have safeguards in place to ensure what has happened previously does not happen again.
“We are closer than we have ever been to seeing the Oasis reopened for local people to enjoy once again and now the ball is firmly in SevenCapital’s court to agree a lease with a tenant and confirm the specifications that will give the Oasis a long-term sustainable future.
“I look forward to seeing the planning application coming forward later this year.”
Damien Siviter, Group Managing Director at SevenCapital, added: “SevenCapital and Swindon Borough Council have a mutual goal of breathing new life into the Oasis for the community and future generations to enjoy. We’re delighted to have reached this agreement, which marks a positive step forward, and look forward to a continued close working partnership with the Council as we push ahead with our plans.”
This promising development signals a bright future for the Oasis Leisure Centre, a facility cherished by Swindon residents for generations.
