The campaign group set up to protect modern buildings and architecture say listing the Oasis Leisure Centre shouldn’t be a barrier to refurbishing and reopening it.

Historic England is currently considering its report to government following a proposal the 1970s-built facility – closed since last year – be put on the official list of protected buildings.

It does not prevent changes being made – but a specific consent must be obtained when making changes to listed buildings.

The centre’s leaseholder Seven Capital and Swindon Borough Council both oppose the listing.

They say the existing building is not properly repairable and the best solution for the long-term is to build a new one, getting rid of the existing dome.

They say listing the Oasis would prevent that and jeopardise the likelihood of it ever reopening.

But Coco Whittaker of the Twentieth Century Society said: “Seven Capital is wrong to think that listing the Oasis would stop the 'considerable work and investment' that the centre needs.

"Listing recognises that buildings need to adapt and have to be viable. It certainly would not prevent necessary refurbishment. Many buildings that are Grade II listed have been successfully restored and reopened following periods of disuse, and the same could be done for the Oasis."