THE Oasis Leisure Centre has sat abandoned and empty for almost 18 months but for decades attracted visitors from all over the South West.

Thousands flocked to the iconic Swindon facility to enjoy its unique Lagoon Pool and Domebusters slides.

But it closed when former operator GLL decided it was no longer viable at the end of the second lockdown in November 2020 - making some of the reviews it received on Tripadvisor the previous month a poignant read.

We've had a look at what some of the last people to visit the Oasis had to say about it.

"Slides that give you a fright"

Swindon Advertiser:

Reviewer Craig C was the last person to properly review the Oasis after visiting, and he seemed to have a great time. 

"Wow. The Oasis is great for kids and adults," he said.

"Amazing slides that give you a good fright. With friendly staff. I love it."

"Some parts of the building are still the same and maybe a litle tired in places"

Highworth-based Chris Hutton was full of praise for the the staff and how they dealt with managing Covid. 

"In this day of Covid it’s hard to find a fun safe activity for the family. The staff are great and explained all the changes in detail."

But, as a regular visitor, he did say the building was getting tired. 

"I have used the Oasis since I was a kid some 30 years or so. Some parts of the building are still the same and maybe a little tired in places.

"It’s always great fun. The domebusters are great and the kids love them. The wave machine is brilliant.

"It’s is a little pricey but what isn’t at the moment. Nice and clean and some work has been done over the last few years."

"Warm welcome"

Gippers26 visited from Llangorse Wales and found the experience positive. 

"Visited as a family, warm welcome from staff who explained the Covid measures.Large clean changing rooms. Pool was warm. Kids had a brilliant time on the water slides. Staff friendly and helpful. Great fun!"

"Someone could be seriously injured"

Swindon Advertiser:

It wasn't all positive though, as A_5891 from Salisbury shared some concerns about the safety of one of the domebusters. 

"Overall a great swimming session. Although, the cleanliness wasn't the best and both my partner and I have sustained injuries to our shoulders and elbows after going down 'The Great White' slide.

"This slide instructs that you must go down head first but on the second drop we were both physically lifted off and then back on to the slide. This is due to the speed and gradient of the drop.

"The pain today is immense and I am confused as to why this slide is open. There are no warnings about this prior to riding the slide. My concern is that someone could be very seriously injured on this slide. Please be aware of this prior to going down this slide."

"Fun for all ages"

Swindon Advertiser:

And finally, Jack said: "This was a very fun activity for my family. Lots of helpful staff around. The pool is nice and warm. Lots of different slides which are fun for all ages (even 3 year olds can go on the large flume accompanied by an adult). My kids had a great time."

After a hard-fought campaign from local group Save Oasis Swindon, the iconic dome structure was given Grade II-listed status and now the company that manages the building, SevenCapital is expected to unveil plans to bring it back to life, including the dome, very soon.