Swindon Oasis Leisure Centre

The Oasis Leisure Centre is one of Swindon's most iconic buildings – a 45-metre glazed dome that opened in 1976 and was once home to a lagoon-style pool with wave machine and waterslides. It closed in November 2020 and has been empty since. Here's the story of the Oasis, its closure, and the plans to bring it back to life.

Indoor swimming pool with dome structure
The Oasis dome – an iconic Swindon landmark. Credit: Unsplash

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1976Opened
45m domeLargest of its kind in Europe (then)
Closed Nov 2020Refurbishment planned
Oasis timeline – planning not yet approved as of Feb 2026
DateEvent
1 Jan 1976Oasis opened – lagoondome, wave machine
1987Three enclosed waterslides added
18 Nov 2020Closed – GLL (Better) deemed unviable
Dec 2021Grade II listed – dome protected
May 2024SevenCapital development agreement – ~£20m refurb
2026?Target reopening – 18 months after planning approval

Source: Save Oasis Swindon / Swindon Borough Council

Currently closed

The Oasis remains closed. For swimming and leisure now, see Leisure Centres and Swimming (Link Centre, Better venues).

History

The Oasis Leisure Centre opened on 1 January 1976 on the site of a former British Rail facility in North Swindon. It was built as a "lagoondome" – a leisure complex centred on a huge glazed dome, 45 metres in diameter. At the time it was the largest dome of its kind in Europe and only the third built in the UK. In 1976, the American National Swimming Pool Institute awarded it a gold medal as the world's top residential pool.

The centre featured a lagoon-style swimming pool with a wave machine and multiple waterslides. In 1987, three enclosed waterslides were added – at the time the longest in the country. The facility also included a concert hall that hosted major touring acts. Famously, the band Oasis took their name from this leisure centre.

Closure in 2020

The Oasis closed on 18 November 2020. Operator GLL (trading as Better) deemed it financially unviable – the centre needed serious upgrade work, and COVID-19 lockdowns had hit revenue hard. The building has been empty ever since and has fallen into disrepair, with reports of neglect and vandalism.

Grade II listing

In December 2021, the domed swimming pool area received Grade II listed status, thanks in large part to the campaign group Save Oasis Swindon. The listing protects the iconic dome from demolition and ensures any refurbishment must preserve its character.

Refurbishment plans

In May 2024, Swindon Borough Council signed a development agreement with SevenCapital to refurbish the Oasis. The plans include:

  • Preserving the iconic dome, wave machine, and slides
  • Refurbishing the swimming pool and leisure facilities
  • Funding the estimated £20m refurbishment partly through a proposed 700-flat residential development on the site

When could it reopen?

As of early 2026, planning permission had not yet been approved. SevenCapital has said that once planning is granted, refurbishment work will take approximately 18 months. A reopening in 2026 – marking the Oasis's 50th anniversary – was described as "possible" if planning was approved promptly. The council has indicated it wants to see "spades in the ground" within a year of the deal progressing. Delays to planning approval would push the reopening date back.

Current status

The Oasis remains closed. The council owns the freehold; SevenCapital holds the lease. The proposed deal would see the council sell the Oasis and North Star sites to SevenCapital for at least £6m. An operator – likely Better (GLL) – would need to be confirmed to run the centre once refurbished.

Related

For other leisure options in Swindon, see Leisure Centres and Swimming in Swindon (including the Link Centre) and Gyms and Fitness in Swindon. For family days out, see Family Days Out in Swindon.

Swimming and leisure now

Link Centre, Better leisure venues – until Oasis reopens.

Leisure Centres & Swimming

References & sources

  1. Save Oasis Swindon (accessed February 2026)

Information correct as of February 2026. Planning and refurbishment timelines can change. Check swindon.gov.uk and Save Oasis Swindon for the latest updates.