The creator of a petition which urges Swindon Borough Council and developer SevenCapital to include a sports hall and cultural venue in plans for a rebuilt Oasis centre will get to address councillors this week.

Liam Shepard has managed to get more than 1,700 people to sign a petition on change.org  which asks the borough council, which owns the land on which the Oasis stands, to “insist SevenCapital includes a brand-new sports hall in the Oasis leisure centre revamp.”

SevenCapital has about  90 years to run on a lease on the building and site, and is the de facto owner of the Oasis, which has been closed since late 2020.

Mr Shepard will get to present his petition to the council and its full meeting on Thursday (July 25) will be able to address the assembled councillors.

His petition says: “As a Wiltshire resident and previous user of the Oasis Leisure Centre, I have seen first-hand how this facility has served as more than just a swimming pool.

“It has been a hub for community activities ranging from badminton and tennis to boxing and wrestling matches.

“It has hosted music festivals, concerts, shows and performances that have brought joy to many.

“The proposed revamp by Seven Capital threatens to erase this well-loved history unless we demand that they include plans for a new super modern sports hall.”

It adds: “The Oasis is not just about swimming; it's about our community spirit, our shared experiences and memories

“With facilities like the pool and a potential bowling alley being considered for inclusion in the revamp plans, having an updated sports hall would only enhance its appeal as an all-inclusive leisure centre.

Let's remind Seven Capital of what makes our Leisure Centre special - its ability to bring people together through diverse activities under one roof. Let's ensure that future generations can create their own memories here too.”

Seven Capital has not yet lodged an application for planning permission for a rebuilt Oasis. The dome and poll area are listed, so they would need to be kept in any design for the rebuilt centre.

Seven Capital, and the council administration have repeatedly said that possible operators of the new centre are not interested in taking it on as a going concern with a sports hall.

The council meeting starts at 7pm on Thursday. Members of the public are entitled to attend.