Swindon Oasis Leisure Centre Dome, pool and fitness

Researched and published by The Swindon Post. Last reviewed 14 October 2026.

The Oasis Leisure Centre is one of Swindon's most iconic buildings: a 45-metre glazed dome that opened in 1976, with a lagoon-style pool, a wave machine and waterslides. It closed in November 2020 and is still shut. There is no reopening date.

The Swindon Oasis leisure centre dome – the iconic 45-metre glazed structure that housed the lagoon pool.
The Oasis dome – an iconic Swindon landmark. Credit: Roger Cornfoot, Geograph Britain & Ireland

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Oasis timeline. There is no confirmed reopening date.
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
July 2025Planning committee backed the leisure rebuild and refused the flats
April 2026SevenCapital named GLL as the operator if it reopens
October 2026Still closed. No reopening date

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?

A 2026 reopening, talked about for the 50th anniversary, did not happen. In July 2025 the planning committee backed a scheme to keep the listed dome and pool and replace the sports hall. At the same meeting it refused the flats that were meant to help pay for the work. Formal consent and the funding were still unresolved after that.

On 28 April 2026 SevenCapital said it had signed GLL, the operator that ran the Oasis before it closed, to run the centre if it is restored. GLL has not given a date. As of October 2026 the building is still closed.

Current status

The Oasis remains closed. The council owns the freehold and SevenCapital holds the lease. Until it reopens, swimming is at the Link Centre and the other Better venues.

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 October 2026)
  2. Swindon Advertiser: GLL named as operator (accessed 14 October 2026)
  3. Swindon 24: housing hurdle remains (accessed 14 October 2026)

Information correct as of 14 October 2026. The operator announcement is from 28 April 2026. No reopening date has been published since. Check swindon.gov.uk and Save Oasis Swindon before you make plans.