Several famous people with ties to Swindon joined the fight to keep the Swindon venue, which also led to some very famous names.
Comedian Ivo Graham, who was born in the area and is a keen supporter of Swindon Town Football Club, and former Town player Chris Kamara have launched a campaign to save the sports hall and music venue at Oasis Leisure Center. provided support.
Local campaign group Save Oasis Swindon saved the wave machine by winning Grade II listing for the pool and iconic dome, but recently drew attention to the dry aspects of the facility, which led to Swindon argues that we need a hall, and even that. That’s why we held a protest this weekend.
However, Swindon Borough Council said there was no future for the site with the hall attached and that is not what the potential operator to take over the site, which closed in 2020, wanted.
This means that the building that gave iconic rock band Oasis their name will eventually be demolished as construction progresses.
Reacting to the public plans for the protest on Twitter, comedian Ivo Graham, originally from Aldbourne on the outskirts of Swindon, voiced his support.
He said: “It’s an important cause for Swindon and I really hope it’s successful.”
A spokesperson for Save Oasis Swindon responded: “Mr Ivo, you are a legend. Thank you for your kind words.”
Joining Ivo Graham in supporting the cause was Chris Kamara, who fondly recalls his visits to sports halls and music venues.
“Great memories of this place, especially coaching soccer to the unemployed, good people who couldn’t get a job at the time.
“I saw some great bands there. My favorites at the time were UB40 & The Specials. And this is where my two sons went to the pool for the first time.”
Ivo and Cammy are not the first celebrities to speak out about the popular leisure centre, with the latter previously supporting earlier campaigns for the building.
Billie Piper supports campaign to reopen Oasis Leisure Center (Image: Swindon Advertiser)
When the Swindon Advertiser launched a campaign to reopen the Oasis shortly after it closed, Doctor Who actress and singer Billie Piper also got involved.
Piper told the newspaper: “This is a hugely important part of the Swindon community, offering people of all ages a place to exercise, have fun and make memories.
“Losing this iconic regional landmark forever is a huge loss for the community, some of whom depend on this space for their physical and mental well-being, and for our loyal employees who will lose their jobs. That must be heartbreaking.”
