One-year anniversary of the Oasis Leisure Centre saga - what's next?
The Swindon site was closed indefinitely exactly 52 weeks ago
Last updated 21st Dec 2021
Today marks a major anniversary in the ongoing saga at Swindon's Oasis Leisure Centre.
It has been exactly one-year since GLL, the firm running the site at the time, revealed it would not be re-opening the facility after lockdown.
The leisure provider said the Oasis was "not viable", adding that the pools were "very tired".
The announcement sparked backlash amongst local stakeholders, including North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson. He branded the decision "unacceptable".
What's happened over the past year?
In the 52 weeks since that day, the Centre has seen urban explorers breaking-in on several occasions, protests by campaigners and training from police dogs.
It has become increasingly derelict, with piles of bin bags dotted around the North Star site during the summer:
The 'Save Oasis' campaign group was also founded, with the mission of getting the beloved Centre re-open.
Save Oasis recently opened a three-week exhibition at Swindon's community hub. It features memorabilia, posters and pictures - showcasing the Oasis story of the last 45 years.
Does the Oasis have a future?
In short, probably.
Any explanation of this requires a brief backstory of who is ultimately responsible for enabling the Oasis to welcome visitors through its doors once again.
After GLL said it would not re-open the Centre in November 2020, the firm relinquished legal responsibility for managing it. SevenCapital subsequently reassumed the reigns.
The property investment business is seven years into a 99-year lease with Swindon Borough Council - the local authority currently owns the Oasis land.
To mark the Oasis anniversary, SevenCapital revealed it has submitted new plans to the Council for a "revived Oasis".
However, these proposals would see the existing dome demolished.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, Managing Director at SevenCapital - Angus Michie - explained this decision.
"We've done several surveys of the roof and it's just not fit for purpose anymore. It has to be replaced.
"We believe what we've come up with ... is a new and improved Oasis, fit for purpose and that will be able to operate viably for well into the 21st century.
"We think we've found the right solution, to get it open as soon as we are able," he said.
'It was met with outrage by a lot of people in Swindon'
However, this potential removal of the dome has been met with dismay by Save Oasis. The group says it's a "destruction" of Oasis history, and would turn the facility into a "bog-standard” leisure centre.
Neil Robinson - who leads the campaigners - has told us the dome is crucial to the site's future.
"If they did that, you cannot call it the Oasis anymore because it wouldn't be the same building. It's a completely different building and they were met with outrage by a lot of people in Swindon, those plans.
"The Oasis is an iconic building, with a dome. There are not many buildings in the UK that have got domes like that.
"It's got to be saved," he said.
Historic England - will the Oasis be listed?
The final narrative in the Oasis saga is an outstanding application with Historic England, to make it a 'listed' building.
In February this year, Historic England confirmed the request had been made by an anonymous member of the public.
According to the organisation, "a building is listed when it's of special architectural or historic interest considered to be of national importance and therefore worth protecting ... for future generations".
Mr Robinson says his campaigners back the application, as they feel it would save the famous Oasis roof.
"We’re desperate to have it listed now, it’s been delayed and delayed. It should be listed so the dome is retained as a Swindon icon and then the Centre should be re-opened".
SevenCapital and Swindon Borough Council both oppose listing the Oasis.
"It would, more than likely, impact upon our proposals and certainly impact upon the timetables for getting the Centre up-and-running.
"We don't believe it's worthy of listing," Mr Michie said.
The application is still being considered by Historic England.