THE group that campaigned to save the Oasis has called for calm as the fallout over Historic England’s decision to list the dome and pool as a Grade II listed structure continues to reverberate. 

News of the listing was welcomed in some quarters but prompted borough council leader David Renard to suggest it would make it more difficult and expensive for SevenCapital to redevelop the site as a modern fit-for-purpose leisure facility.

It also triggered some fiery exchanges on social media.

In a statement on social media Save Oasis Swindon said: “While the SOS campaign did not apply to have the Oasis listed, it has both supported and fought for its listing and welcomes the December 1 listing decision to Grade II list the 1970s-built dome and pool. 

“Indeed, for the record, there were several months of virtual radio silence from both Swindon Borough Council and SevenCapital immediately after the Oasis closure. 

“Communication by these key stakeholders improved in recent months and some actions have been taken. However, there remains on the table, several unresolved issues which we are keen to explore further.

“We would draw stakeholders’ (including members of the public) attention to the offer of support by Historic England to work through managing the listing requirements and are sure that this will include clarifying appropriate grant and funding sources specifically earmarked for listed buildings of this nature.

It said: “SOS is hopeful that, after the waves have calmed of what may be ill-informed knee-jerk, negative reactions from several quarters, that a positive way forward will be found for Swindon generations to come. A way forward that will allow us all to enjoy a quality, reopened, accessible, affordable, domed Oasis Leisure Centre.”

The statement went on to call for SevenCapital to revisit the existing plans it had revealed to transform the Oasis and submit new ones that included the dome. 

“We wonder whether SevenCapital might now withdraw and re-draw a refreshed planning application – in a key development SOS has heard from SevenCapital that it is researching whether there is after all a feasible way to retain the dome, which we feel is the right thing to do.

“We look forward to working alongside the council and SevenCapital, and hope for an early initial meeting to share opportunities and challenges resulting from this Listing decision.”

Swindon Borough Council has said it will meet with SevenCapital to discuss what happens next with proposals for the future of the much-loved building.