Image: Oasis Leisure Centre will receive a revamp

Swindon's Oasis Leisure Centre has been transferred to a private operator in the next phase of a £65m scheme to develop a major new "regional leisure hub" for the Wiltshire town.

Oasis Operations Ltd has taken control of the facility under an agreement between Swindon Borough Council (SBC) and Moirai Capital Investments announced earlier this year.

Leisure specialists S&P Architects are involved with the design of the new hub, which is to include an indoor ski slope, an indoor arena and a water park at North Star.

Oasis Leisure Centre will also benefit from improvements - including the replacement of its iconic dome - as part of the project, which will be undertaken over the next 12 months.

Moirai has secured four long-term leases to the Oasis and former Clares site from SBC in a bid to drive forward the development, which could attract up to 4 million visitors each year.

SBC cabinet member for leisure and strategic transport Keith Williams said: "The transfer of the Oasis is a very important milestone in our bid to transform Swindon into a regional leisure hub.

"The Oasis is in need of a multi-million pound facelift, which is money the council simply does not have. By transferring the iconic leisure centre to a private operator we are ensuring it receives the investment it needs."

Moirai director Martin Barber added: "We are delighted with the opportunity to create a fantastic leisure destination in Swindon."

Details: www.swindon.gov.uk

Image: Roger Cornfoot