It was disappointing that the Planning Committee could not support the plans for the Oasis housing needed to fund the refurbishment of the Oasis. Here is what Council Leader Jim Robbins said at the time:
“The deal to reopen the Oasis for Swindon families to enjoy, is all about compromises and, unfortunately, the Planning Committee felt unable to support the most important part of the scheme.
“This is because the homes around the Oasis are needed to fund the eyewatering costs of refurbishing the listed dome and swimming pool.
“We have hit a significant stumbling block with our partner, but as a pro-growth authority, it is one we will do all we can to overcome.
“Our priority to reopen a refurbished Oasis for current and future generations remains, but we cannot do this ourselves. We will be working closely with SevenCapital to find solutions to make this happen.”
The refurbishment has got planning permission, but we need to raise the funds to deliver the £30m+ project. As soon as we can get planning permission for the houses needed to fund the refurb, we will get it back up and running. It’s encouraging that SevenCapital are going back to the drawing board and rethinking the scheme, so they’re still onboard to deliver the regeneration of the iconic dome and swimming pool.
We must work with SevenCapital as the Conservatives gave them a 99-year lease for the land and put no real protection in the deal. They were desperate to sign anything after their previous partner Moirai had gone bankrupt owing thousands to Swindon businesses.
Jan Update – Seven Capital are working up a scheme, and are using the new powers granted by the Labour Government regarding development within half a mile of a train station. They are working with GLL as the planned provider and we are hopeful of news soon.