Plans submitted for redeveloped Oasis Leisure Centre
Nearly 2000 people submitted their opinions during a week-long consultation back in November
After months of planning, and thousands of responses to a recent consultation, the developers behind Swindon's iconic leisure centre - the Oasis - have confirmed their plans have finally been submitted to the Borough Council.
The proposals include a detailed plan to 'sensitively' restore and re-open the Swindon Oasis, including the building’s iconic dome and wave pool, with the wider proposals promised to unlock investment needed for the project.
These plans include outline ideas to build up to 707 new homes and employment space - but SevenCapital insist their priority first is to restore the leisure centre.
A total of 1,893 feedback form submissions were made during last month's week-long consultation - which the developers insist they have taken on-board.
The proposals include a detailed application that will revive the much-loved former leisure destination by sensitively restoring the iconic dome structure and delivering a modern wave machine, state-of-the-art aqua play, and teaching lane pool.
Domebusters slides will be replaced with a new intertube slide complex, representing an upgrade to the previous slides.
Instead of the idea of a new wave ball, they're instead going to replace the existing wave machine, and will also now look to retain the existing pool area.
The redevelopment of the sports hall wouldn't go ahead either, because of economic concerns raised over the proposal of new outdoor all-weather pitches.
Plans to include a new bowling alley, indoor golf, state-of-the-art gym, and café spaces remain within the proposals, though.
SevenCapital say they have considered all feedback from the consultation, carefully, making adjustments where possible while considering advice from both heritage consultants and leisure operators on what is deemed necessary, viable and operationally sound.
If approved, the refurbishment of the Oasis will commence as the first phase of work.
Meanwhile, as part of a mixed-use masterplan, outline plans have also been submitted to deliver up to 707 new homes, public realm, and other amenities as part of a new neighbourhood with the Oasis at its heart. This masterplan has been carefully designed to maintain visibility of the iconic dome from all angles and is key to unlocking the investment required to complete the refurbishment of the Oasis.
Outline plans for two new commercial opportunities, which could support up to 630 new jobs, have also been submitted.
Both outline submissions for the homes and commercial elements remain at an early stage in the planning process and are currently indicative. Should they be approved, extensive work will then begin to agree on the most appropriate configuration, with further consultation to be carried out ahead of drawing up detailed plans.
Damien Siviter, Group Managing Director at SevenCapital, said: “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.”
Read more: Oasis Leisure Centre: Developer insists 'we are listening'