The Swindon leisure centre that inspired Oasis name is set to close.
According to reports, the Swindon facility will shut down due to “challenging operating conditions” caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Swindon leisure centre that gave Oasis their name is set to close permanently.
As reported by the Swindon Advertiser, the facility—including a gym, water park, and racquet courts—will not reopen after England‘s second lockdown. The closure is due to “challenging operating conditions” caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
In 1991, it entered Britpop history when Liam Gallagher saw its name on an Inspiral Carpets poster. He then decided to use it to replace his band’s original name, The Rain.
Swindon Borough Council leader David Renard said: “This is really disappointing news for the staff. My thoughts are with them and their families at this difficult time.”
“I am personally very sad that GLL has decided to surrender its lease with Seven Capital for the Oasis. Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on leisure providers and the industry as a whole.”
“We continue to work with Seven Capital, the Oasis landlord, and GLL, which operates six leisure centres on behalf of the council.”
Jamie Coleshill, GLL‘s regional director for Swindon, said: “We recognize the significant impact of the Oasis closure, especially the loss of the unique, albeit very tired, leisure pools.”
“We are committed to supporting the Oasis gym, swim, and Better Swim School customers by relocating them to alternative Swindon leisure centres. We will contact them in the coming days.”
“The closure of all leisure facilities for over five months due to lockdowns, plus the need to operate at reduced capacity, has created extremely challenging conditions.”
“Closing leisure centres and reducing staff is not a decision we take lightly. We deeply regret reaching this point, but we believe it is our only option.”
“As a charitable social enterprise, we cannot continue operating a facility that requires capital investment while losing money and accumulating significant rent liabilities.”
Source: Radio X
Photo: Getty