GLL signs agreement to run a restored Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon

The operator GLL agreed to run a restored Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon under an agreement with developer SevenCapital that was reported on 29 April 2026.

GLL had run the Oasis before it closed in 2020. Swindon24 reported that funding and delivery of the restoration remained open questions.

Damien Siviter, group managing director of SevenCapital, said: "This agreement marks a big step forward in our plans to restore and reopen the Oasis."

Councillor Jim Robbins, leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: "Really pleased to see this arrangement is now in place."

What was still unresolved?

SevenCapital's plan linked the refurbishment of the Oasis to new housing around it, which was meant to help pay for the leisure work.

Swindon Borough Council had refused the housing application. The reasons cited included the effect on the listed building, a lack of affordable housing and too little parking.

There was no clear timetable for revised plans. Asked how quickly SevenCapital would return with them, Mr Robbins said: "They have said as soon as they can."

What did campaigners say?

Neil Robinson of the Save Oasis Swindon campaign said: "We are quite confused by the news today". He added: "It is interesting how GLL have signed up when the housing was previously refused for the site."

He said the campaign's view was that SevenCapital should drop a separate warehouse plan for another site and build the housing there instead.

Background

The Oasis opened on 1 January 1976. Parts of the building were later given Grade II listed status by Historic England after a campaign supported by the Twentieth Century Society.

Source: Swindon24.

More from Swindo: The Oasis Leisure Centre: History of Swindon's Domed Pool.