Swindon Labour
Swindon Borough Council Leader, Councillor Jim Robbins, has confirmed that plans to refurbish the Oasis Leisure Centre will include a wave machine.
Last week, SevenCapital’s Group Managing Director, Damien Siviter confirmed to campaign group Save Oasis Swindon that the wave machine would not be part of the new-look facilities as it would make the leisure centre less sustainable.
But following further conversations with Council representatives, Mr Siviter confirmed the much-loved waves will continue to be a draw for swimmers when the leisure centre reopens its doors.
Cllr Robbins said: “The wave machine is an incredibly important part of the Oasis experience and has to be part of its future.
“I’m really pleased this element of the swimming pool has been safeguarded and look forward to seeing the joy it will bring families in the years to come.
“I would like to thank Mr Siviter for listening to the Council’s concerns and acting on them. It is crucial the new leisure centre is as sustainable as it can be, but not at the cost of foregoing what made the Oasis such a popular attraction in the first place.”
Councillor Kevin Small, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, said: “The Oasis used to draw people to Swindon from far and wide because of the fantastic Domebusters and the wave machine.
“The leisure centre created Swindon’s very own tropical paradise and was unique at the time. The wave machine was integral to that design and so I am delighted SevenCapital has recognised this and is committed to making it work.”
Mr Siviter added: “We want to create a leisure centre Swindon can once again be proud of, but we also have to make sure running costs are not prohibitive to potential operators.
“We have to strike a balance between trying to make it as energy-efficient and sustainable as possible, while also keeping what made the Oasis so special in the first place.
“The Leader of the Council spoke incredibly passionately about the importance of the wave machine and, on reflection, we misjudged how much it was loved by local people.
“We can confirm, therefore, that the refurbished Oasis will contain a wave machine. We will make it work.”