A new entertainment venue capable of holding 2,000 people could be built in Swindon in the next two years.

That's according to borough council leader Jim Robbins, who said the vision of a "flexible" facility capable of hosting theatre, comedy and music could be brought to life in the town centre by the end of 2026.

Cllr Robbins outlined the plans in November when he said a performance space on the site of the current bus station on Manchester Road would replace the Wyvern, once the transport hub has been moved to the new £33m Fleming Way bus boulevard.

In a recent discussion on X about the sports hall/music venue at the Oasis leisure centre - set to be demolished and not replaced as things stand - Cllr Robbins said while plans hadn’t been finalised but the council was also working on a new flexible entertainment venue in the town centre and said: “We can deliver the new venue ahead of a refurbed Oasis."

The refurbished Oasis is scheduled to open in 2026.

Cllr Robbins was questioned about the social media post he had made by Conservative councillor Daniel Adams at the full council meeting this week.

Cllr Adams' written question was: “In order to make these claims, we assume that he has received advice from the director of strategic development, the council’s head of planning and the director of finance.

“Would he therefore provide that advice to members including full details of any proposal discussed including draft design, any planned consultation and of course, the budget?

"And a timeline for delivery from the plans coming to cabinet through to pre-planning and construction to back up his claims that the venue will indeed be delivered ahead of the refurbished Oasis?”

Cllr Robbins responded: “Details of discussions with prospective venue operators on scheme design are necessarily confidential until such time as proposals are finalised and planning applications are submitted. We would expect there to be public consultation to inform final scheme designs.

A new music and theatre venue could open in Swindon by 2026 (Image: FedericoChiccoDodiFC)

“The Oasis and the provision of any new entertainment venue are not necessarily linked other than both are expected to act as key leisure facilities in central Swindon.

“To date discussions have taken place with prospective venue operators around the model of provision, including costings. Whilst the generalities of cost are understood they will inevitably be site specific and specific to the nature of the facility on any particular site.

“Once we have finished modelling development costs a report will be tabled outlining both any financial implications for the council, and a potential timeline for delivery.”

Cllr Adams followed up with: “Are you sticking to your claim  that the music venue will be delivered by the time the Oasis opens in 2026?”

Cllr Robbins’ answer was: “Yes, I think so.”

The new venue would cater for between 1,200 and 2,000 people - much bigger than the Wyvern, which would be retained for arts groups but replaced as the town's main theatre and concert venue.

In November, cabinet member for arts culture and heritage Marina Strinkovsky said: “The Wyvern is coming to the end of its life, in two ways. It’s a concrete building, it wasn’t built as a Regency building intended to last for 300 years and it’s too small."

Members of the Labour administration, in particular cabinet member for finance councillor Kevin Small, have previously said the refurbished Oasis should be open  in 2026, the 50th anniversary  year of the original opening. There was no pledge to open the centre by January 1, the actual anniversary.