OASIS: proposed £5 million to save leisure centre branded Council 'propaganda' by campaigners
'Save Oasis Swindon' has told us the Borough Council's hopes of revitalising the iconic site are NOT genuine
Last updated 9th Feb 2021
Campaigners that are fighting to save Swindon's Oasis have handed-out major criticism to the Borough Council, for its handling of the iconic Leisure Centre.
The local authority's leader, Cllr David Renard, recently told Greatest Hits Radio he is "so keen" to get the site up-and-running again.
This followed the Oasis' leaseholder announcing, in November, that it would not be re-opening after lockdown restrictions are lifted. GLL cited "extremely challenging operating conditions" due to the pandemic.
'The Council are just saying this to look good for the elections'
Cllr Renard has since confirmed Swindon Borough Council may borrow £5 million, to help another private leaseholder open the Oasis doors once more.
But in a stunning tirade, the man behind 'Save Oasis Swindon' has described this figure as being "purely propaganda".
Neil Robinson told us: "There's no explanation of how this money will be spent and there's no explanation of when this money will be spent.
"I think it's purely propaganda, the Council are just saying this to look good for the elections, but in the background we don't know what's going on.
"They (the Council) could be bluffing here".
'They need to get a grip with it'
Whilst the Oasis is closed from the public, its ongoing physical state is also a cause for concern with campaigners.
On January 7, a YouTube video was posted of two men uncovering how the site looks inside.
During the footage from urban explorers 'Kirbz Vids', it's claimed one of the staff rooms smells like "mouldy spaghetti". Those recording the video also call the swimming area "damp and mouldy".
The 'Save Oasis Swindon' ringleader, born and raised in the town, shared his dismay at the site's current predicament: "They (Swindon Council) need to get a grip with it.
"The Oasis building itself has now been sat empty for three months and that's not good. There's been no heating or ventilation.
"It's been broken into, it's going to become dilapidated soon, so they (Swindon Council) really need to act fast".
'I just wish that the campaigners would work with us'
Following the backlash, Cllr Renard has denied any suggestions from 'Save Oasis Swindon' that his desire to re-open the Oasis is disingenuous.
During his interview with Greatest Hits Radio, Cllr Renard was played audio of Neil Robinson's criticism.
Here's what the Borough Council's Leader had to say:
Is £5 million actually going to be spent on saving the Oasis?
In short, it's too early to say.
On Wednesday 3 February, Swindon Borough Council's Cabinet amended its proposed budget for the next financial year.
The authority confirmed £5 million could be borrowed to assist any private leisure provider with new Swindon facilities, but that money wasn't necessarily earmarked to upgrade and re-open the Oasis.
Cllr Renard has since said the funding is not guaranteed, branding it a "Plan B".
"It's a commitment in principle to borrow £5 million, but there's got to be a sound business case that sits behind it," he told Greatest Hits Radio.
When asked if the funding had to be used on the Oasis, Cllr Renard added: "It doesn't. Our primary focus is working with Seven Capital, to ensure the Oasis can get an appropriate amount of investment and be re-opened without the use of any public money.
"That's what we're pursuing vigorously and I believe we can actually achieve that".
A final decision on the £5 million budget amendment will be made by Swindon Borough Council on Thursday 18 February.