The Oasis leisure centre in Swindon, which inspired the name of the legendary Britpop band, is set to close permanently. Operators GLL cited “challenging operating conditions” due to the coronavirus pandemic as the reason for the closure.
Jamie Coleshill, regional director of GLL, acknowledged the impact on customers, particularly the loss of the “unique, albeit very tired, leisure pools.” The company plans to help relocate gym and swim customers to other facilities in Swindon.
Swindon Borough Council leader David Renard described the news as “really disappointing” but noted that Covid-19 had “devastated” leisure providers. Labour councillor Jim Grant accused GLL of using the pandemic as an excuse to close the centre.
Built in 1976, the Oasis gained fame when Liam Gallagher chose the name for his band in 1991, inspired by a poster for an Inspiral Carpets gig at the venue. The band, originally called the Rain, went on to sell tens of millions of albums.
