SevenCapital has published its plans for how it wants to re-open the Oasis Leisure Centre for public consultation

The website www.swindonoasis.co.uk has gone live, and it shows that the listed dome and pool area will be retained but the sports hall, which also doubled as a concert hall is not part of the company’s plans.

The website, from the centre's leaseholders, says there are four main planks to the plan: Refurbish and reopen the Oasis, Create a new dynamic neighbourhood, drive economic growth in Swindon and Support job creation.

(Image: SevenCapital) Under the first heading, SevenCapital says: “The design of the original dome was ahead of its time. Unfortunately, the materials used to clad the dome were too rigid, and when the aluminium structure moved, this in turn created leaks. Several options have therefore been considered during the design journey, including encapsulating the dome within a secondary structure or removing and replacing the dome with a new structure altogether. 

“The proposed option included in these proposals is to replace the covering of the dome, meaning the existing structure will be clad with a lightweight ‘skin’. The flexible material that we have chosen to re-clad the dome will not break.

“Therefore, the issue of leaks and inefficient thermal performance will be eliminated, while the structural framework and architectural intention remain clear.”

(Image: Seven Capital) It adds: “Our proposals have since developed using the key principles of respecting its heritage and historic value, bringing the listed Oasis swimming pool area back into beneficial use,  placing Swindon Oasis on a sustainable footing.”

In the building attached to the dome, the developer proposes a bowling alley, indoor golf, state-of-the-art gym, and a café with new all-weather pitches and multi-use games areas taking up the part of the site now covered by the sports hall.

In terms of a new neighbourhood, Seven Capital, whose main business is building flats, proposes using some of the site and the cleared Clare’s factory site across the road for two large warehouses and associated parking.

(Image: Seven Capital) The plans show that up to 710 flats could be built in eight blocks around the perimeter of the site. These blocks in various shapes and sizes are depicted on the plans as green and grey striped blocks, with parking lots in between.

The south of the site includes pocket parks and a skatepark and playparks for children.

Seven Capital says the housing is needed to pay for the refurbishment of the leisure centre: “To unlock the investment needed to refurbish and revitalise the Oasis, our proposals would deliver a dynamic new community, complete with homes, public realm, amenities and commercial spaces” and says there will be a “new neighbourhood of up to 710 new homes with a mixture of one and two bedroomed apartments.

“These high-quality apartments will be situated within blocks of six to ten storeys sensitively placed throughout the site.

(Image: Seven Capital) “The design of the new homes will also be sensitive to the surrounding area, using appropriate materials which integrate with the existing landscape.“ 

The developer adds that the warehouses could create up to 650 jobs. 

The plan says transport connections will also be improved: “An upgraded junction is proposed to Hawksworth Way as part of the masterplan.  

“This proposal will improve traffic flow, enhance safety for all entering the site and facilitate efficient logistics operations. We have also worked to ensure the proposals embed a low-carbon approach, helping to maximise the energy efficiency of the regeneration. 

(Image: SevenCapital) “Connectivity with the wider area, train station and town centre will ensure the new place – including the Oasis – is permeable and attractive to both residents and visitors.” 

The company is asking for responses to be emailed to feedback@swindonoasis.co.uk by midnight on  Wednesday 27 November. 

There will be a public exhibition event at the Institute of Technology at New College Swindon at its North Star campus open between 1pm and 7pm on Wednesday, November 26. 

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