It could be winter all the year round in part of the town, when Swindon Council’s negotiations with a yet to be identified leisure operator come good.

Intensive discussions have been taking place around a two stage plan to redevelop the 35 year old Oasis Leisure Centre at North Star. Retaining the iconic dome over the leisure pools and the slides, the operator has plans to extend the water facility and introduce an indoor surf centre.

And 1,700 jobs may be created as a result.

Swindon Council deputy leader Gary Perkins told swindonlink.com that discussions are at an advanced stage with a major private sector leisure provider to take on and redevelop the Oasis, and build huge new leisure attractions for the town. He said: “The operator is very keen on expanding what the Oasis is well known for which will mean a period of closure whilst it is refurbished and extended. If all goes well it could be reopened by 2014.”

Gary said he was very excited by the second phase of the project on the old Clares factory site opposite the Oasis. “The company wants to build a snowdome with ski runs and snowboarding facilities. Alongside it would be a multi-purpose concert, activity and conference venue big enough to seat up to 35,000 people, as well as a hotel and retail outlets.

“They are talking of up to 4 million people a year which will make Swindon a major attraction for all kinds of leisure related events on the M4 corridor. If it goes ahead it will also mean a lot of work to improve predestrian access from the railway station and major improvements to approach roads.”

Coun Perkins hopes an agreement in principle document will soon be signed so a community consultation can start. The report detailing the full plans will be presented to the council's cabinet on Wednesday 15 February before formal approval at a full council meeting.