The Oasis centre was opened in Swindon in 1976. At the time the lagoon pool, recreating an indoor beach, and the waterslides were revolutionary.

Most municipal swimming baths built before Oasis, and many after, featured standard rectangular pool - it means the centre in North Star became an attraction for people living miles away, many travelling for some time to use the pool.

Throughout the 1980s and 90s Oasis was something of a flagship for Swindon: as well as the pool and the leisure and sports facilities it hosted concerts by some of the best known pop acts of the day - artists such as Elvis Costello and the Attractions, AC-DC and Status Quo played, all at the peak of their powers.

Possibly the most famous gig of all was that by Madchester stars Inspiral Carpets in 1991. Their guitar technician at the time was Noel Gallagher who took the name from the centre for his all-conquering mid-90s band.

After the financial crash of 2008 councils found themselves increasingly cash-strapped and Swindon Borough Council which owned and ran the centre looked to move the expense.

After an abortive attempt to lease it to a company called Morai, current owners Seven Capital took a 99 year lease in 2014. The company contracted leisure specialist Better to run it. Better said it could not make enough profit from the ageing building and said it would not re-open after last year's November lockdown.

After Seven Capital said it had plans to redevelop the centre a bid was made to have it listed. That is still being considered by Historic England