The Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon, Wiltshire, which famously inspired the name of the legendary rock band Oasis, has been left abandoned and decaying for five full years. This once bustling family attraction now stands covered in grime and overgrown weeds, with new photographs revealing its dilapidated state in shocking detail.
Historical Significance and Current Neglect
The centre's connection to music history is profound. It was listed on an Inspiral Carpets tour poster that Liam Gallagher saw in his bedroom, prompting the band to change their name from The Rain to Oasis shortly before Noel Gallagher joined in 1991. Today, that same site presents a stark contrast, with murky, mouldy waters and rampant vegetation overtaking the premises.
Owner Deems Centre 'Not Viable'
The Oasis Leisure Centre has been completely deserted since October 2020, after its owner, Seven Capital, declared the facility 'not viable' primarily due to the financial impacts of the pandemic. This abandonment has led to rapid physical deterioration of the Grade II listed building, sparking significant local frustration and activism.
Campaigners Demand Action
A campaign group named Save Oasis Swindon has circulated compelling images of the neglected venue, forcefully questioning the inaction. They have publicly asked, 'Why are Seven Capital not keeping a grade II listed building in a good state of repair? And why are Swindon Borough Council doing nothing nearly six years on?' The group argues that the site is decaying at an alarming rate while it remains idle.
Ongoing Negotiations and Financial Stipulations
Discussions regarding the future of the site between Seven Capital and Swindon Borough Council are ongoing, but progress appears slow. In December, a draft agreement was shared online outlining specific financial conditions for reopening. According to the documents, Seven Capital must pay £18,000 towards bus service improvement works and an additional £35,000 to enhance the Western Flyer cycle route. The firm is also required to provide and maintain landscaped open space on the site.
Planning Permissions and Public Outcry
A month after the initial documents were posted, separate planning permission was granted for the 'partial demolition and construction of new building elements' at the closed leisure centre. However, this approval was met with shouts of 'shame' from members of the public, as councillors approved plans to rebuild the centre without its sports hall.
Rejected Proposals and Amended Plans
Seven Capital submitted multiple plans for the Oasis Leisure Centre site. While the demolition of the sports hall was approved, Swindon Borough Council's planning committee refused permission to build 700 flats on the location. Steve Handley from Seven Capital stated that they had amended their plans following an extensive public consultation, expressing a commitment to 'bring to life the Oasis to benefit the community and Swindon.'
Council's Stance on Refurbishment
Councillor Jim Robbins, the leader of Swindon Borough Council, has emphasised that the refurbishment of the Oasis Leisure Centre remains an absolute priority. Despite this assertion, the visible decay and prolonged negotiations continue to fuel community concern about the fate of this culturally significant site.
The story of the Oasis Leisure Centre serves as a poignant reminder of how places of historical and cultural importance can fall into disrepair amid bureaucratic delays and economic challenges. As the band Oasis continues to be celebrated worldwide, the venue that inspired their name faces an uncertain future, caught between preservation efforts and redevelopment plans.
