The Oasis centre, famous for its lagoon pool under a distinctive dome, first opened in 1976 but has been closed since 2020. Developer Seven Capital proposed restoring the pool and dome, demolishing the attached sports hall, and replacing it with a “dry side” featuring a café, gym, bowling alley, and indoor crazy golf. The developer also sought to build 700 flats on the site, but councillors rejected the housing element.

Damien Siviter, group managing director at Seven Capital, warned that the decision casts doubt over the project’s viability.

“We’re back to the drawing board,” he said. “Whether that means the Oasis may never come back into economic use, I don’t know.”

The sports hall’s loss was the main sticking point for protesters, who argued it was vital for sport and concerts. Councillor Sudha Sri Nukana drew loud applause for calling on the committee to reject the scheme outright, warning there might be little to celebrate for the Oasis’s 50th anniversary.

Campaigners, including the Save Oasis Swindon group, Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, and Swindon Pickleball Club, voiced opposition. However, councillors Kevin Small, Emma Bushell and Marina Strinkovsky spoke in support, stressing the need to bring the venue back into use.

The approval of the scaled-back plans offers only faint hope of a reopening in 2026 – leaving many residents wondering if this will be the Oasis’s final encore.