Oasis redevelopment “shadow of its former self” say campaigners
The leisure centre has been a part of Swindon for almost 50 years
Campaigners are saying the Oasis would be a “shadow of its former self” if plans for its redevelopment do not change.
The Save Oasis Swindon group has been fighting for a sports hall to be included in the new Oasis but has been turned down repeatedly.
After an application to make the sports hall an Asset of Community Value (ACV) had been turned down earlier this month, the group submitted another ACV application which includes the Oasis leisure centre as a whole.
Neil Robinson, founder of Save Oasis Swindon, told Greatest Hits Radio: “The council have dismissed the Asset of Community Value application for the sports hall, but we’ve appealed it.
“Also, separately, we’ve decided to put in an application for the entire Oasis – that’s the pool and the sports hall – and we’ve also attached evidence.”
To be able to be granted ACV status, the site must have been in use within the last five years.
The Oasis leisure centre first closed down just over five years ago, during the first lockdown in March 2020, and briefly reopened that summer.
“I personally used the Oasis swimming pool in August and September 2020.
“I’ve still got the email tickets to prove that I was there and that the Oasis was still open and in use which was obviously less than five years ago. So, I’ve attached that as evidence to the application for the whole centre”, explained Mr. Robinson.
“And all we want is for it to be approved because that then gives the community the power to have a say in what they what at a future Oasis because at the moment, it’s going to be completely surrounded by housing and it’s going to be a shadow of its former self with no sports hall. That’s what we’re concerned about.”
In the email sent to Swindon Borough Council to submit the new ACV application, Mr. Robinson stated on behalf of Save Oasis Swindon:
“We are prepared to work collaboratively with Seven Capital, SBC and the future Operator. The ACV would ensure community input is guaranteed on what is on offer at a reopened Oasis.”
Since December 2021, the pool and dome have both been Grade II listed, meaning efforts have to be made to preserve them.
This does not apply to the sports hall, however, which is set to be knocked down according to developer SevenCapital’s current plans.
Instead, the company is planning to install more than 700 new homes near the leisure centre.