Swindon Council's cabinet will discuss a massive £65 million redevelopment of the 35 year old Oasis Leisure Centre on 15 February which will see retention of the iconic dome over the leisure pools and the slides, plus extended leisure facilities, including a snow slope, and commercial development such as a hotel, cinema and shops, and a new multi-sports and concert venue on the adjacent Clares Factory site at North Star.

Moirai Capital Investment Ltd has been chosen as the preferred partner to undertake the development and they hope to see most of the redevelopment completed by 2014. 

The Moirai team is led by Martin Barber who was founder and developer of the X-scape Brand including the construction of Milton Keynes, Castleford & Braehead ski slopes. In addition a further 20 leisure parks were developed & acquired to create the largest leisure fund, The X-Leisure Trust.

The team also includes S&P architects, one of the UK’s specialist sports and leisure architects practice who have worked on numerous London 2012 projects, the Butlin Pavilion at Bognor Regis, K2 Leisure centre in Crawley and a vast number of local authority run Leisure Centres.

Adrian McAlpine from Sir Robert McAlpine is also involved who acted as the contractor for the three Xscape’s. Each of these projects has been undertaken and completed on budget and on time. Other team members include ISG who have just finished the Olympic Velodrome.

Moirai is confident that the levels of interest they are currently receiving means they anticipate completion of
all phases by the end of 2014. Currently Moirai has received firm interest from potential operators/occupiers for 60% of the site.They predict usage across all facilities of some 4 million visitors.

They anticipate that if all of the proposed phases are built out this would lead to the creation of around 435 full time and 600 part time jobs in Swindon. Several hundred more jobs would be created through the construction and ongoing supporting activity of the proposed new development and Moirai have advised this could result in a projected total of up to 1700 jobs.

Moirai's Martin Barber confirmed that the company is fully committed to developing a world-class leisure and entertainment complex on the sites. “We are delighted to have been selected as preferred developer by the Council for this important development. We look forward to confirmation of our appointment in due course. This is a wonderful opportunity for Swindon to achieve a truly exciting range of leisure and entertainment opportunities. We shall create a development of which the town can justifiably be proud. It will establish Swindon as a major player in leisure, and will attract significant numbers of visitors to the town.

"The project will provide major employment for the construction industry.  In turn, the many commercial premises will offer recruitment for more than a thousand people. We are looking forward to working with Swindon College and community agencies to ensure that local people are well prepared for the job opportunities.

"I am confident that our refurbishment plans will greatly increase the attractiveness of the Oasis Leisure Centre, and extend the facilities offered there. Our plans for the adjacent areas include a snow-slope (which I have had experience developing successfully at Milton Keynes and elsewhere), a multi-purpose arena and a full range of associated leisure attractions.

"We are totally committed to working with the Council to ensure that there are real benefits to the community at large.  We shall be consulting widely to ensure that we are fully aware of local opinion, and we are preparing a web site which will give details of what is planned. 

"Our first steps will be the refurbishment and development of the Oasis Leisure Centre.  We are delighted to announce that we are in advanced negotiations with Community Swimming Ltd (CSL) a registered charity of the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA).  We are confident of reaching full agreement with CSL regarding the operation of the water-based facilities.  This will ensure that the community-focus is retained and extended."

Cabinet member for leisure coun Keith Williams said he is massively excited by the proposals being put to councillors. "As we all know the Oasis is in need of refurbishment and this is a great opportunity to breathe new life into our leisure offer, bring significant benefits to the local economy and really put Swindon on the map as a major leisure destination.

"Moirai have a proven track record of delivering high quality facilities and we look forward to welcoming their input to Swindon. Refurbishing and extending the much loved Oasis Leisure Centre will be welcomed and the provision of a snow dome, ice wall and a multi-sports and performance arena are much needed in the town.

“We have also included stringent targets associated with the leases and have negotiated that the council will receive an annual income from the development. To achieve the best outcome the council also has to improve pedestrian and road access so that visitors will have an exceptional experience when visiting the town."