Plans to reopen Swindon’s beloved Oasis Leisure Centre have been officially submitted by SevenCapital, the site’s leaseholders.
Following a public consultation, the detailed proposals aim to sensitively restore the venue’s iconic dome, upgrade its facilities, and breathe new life into the landmark.
The public consultation, which ran both online and in-person between 20th and 27th November, saw 1,893 feedback submissions.
Key elements of the proposal include the revival of the wave pool with a modern wave machine, a teaching lane pool, and aqua play features. While the once-popular Domebusters slides will be replaced with an intertube slide complex, SevenCapital has opted to retain the original pool structure, incorporating health and safety improvements while preserving as much of the listed building as possible.
Plans also include a bowling alley, indoor golf, a state-of-the-art gym, and café spaces, alongside new outdoor all-weather pitches. However, the current sports hall will not be replaced due to operational concerns raised during consultations with leisure operators.
The refurbishment of the Oasis is set to be the first phase of a broader masterplan. This overall vision also includes the construction of up to 707 new homes and commercial spaces designed to create a vibrant new neighbourhood around the Oasis. The investment required to revitalise the Oasis is linked to this mixed-use development, ensuring the venue’s long-term sustainability.
Damien Siviter, Group Managing Director at SevenCapital, commented: “We have taken the public consultation very seriously and accommodated updates to our detailed application for the Oasis where strong feeling has been evident and where it has been possible – in line with advice from both heritage and planning consultants, as well as leisure operators.
“We are confident that the plans we have brought forward for the Oasis, along with the wider site outline, will deliver a renewed, revived and exciting destination that marries both the Oasis’ heritage with long-term sustainability so that future generations will continue to enjoy this much-loved venue.”
The outline submissions for the homes and commercial opportunities are at an early stage, with the potential to create up to 630 new jobs. Further consultations will follow as detailed plans are drawn up.
If approved, the refurbishment of the Oasis will mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Swindon, preserving a beloved landmark while creating a vibrant hub for leisure, living, and employment.
The plans are not yet available on Swindon Borough Council’s website but anyone wishing to check them out will be able to access the planning portal here.
