14/02/06 - Cllr Tomlinson Supports Plans To Modernise Leisure Facilities

Swindon 2010 Promise 22:
Cllr Justin Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture.

“We will revitalise our sports and leisure facilities and in particular bring forward plans to replace or modernise the Oasis and Link Centres”

Swindon is justifiably proud of its wide public and private provision for sport and physical activity. The Council is committed to revitalise our sport and leisure facilities and, in particular, to bring forward plans to replace or modernise the Oasis and Link Centre.

A long term strategy for the future of the regional leisure facilities at Oasis and Link and the supporting portfolio of community sports centres and sports pitches is being developed and a consultation exercise will be undertaken so that we can hear your views.

Cllr Justin Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture said: “The Oasis and Link Centres were opened in 1976 and 1985 respectively. Today, over 1.4 million visits are made to the centres each year, with over 850,000 visits to the Link alone. Both centres were once the pride of Swindon and were considered “state of the art” in their day. However, both centres now require significant reinvestment to make them “ fit for purpose” and to bring them up to a reasonable state of repair. That is the reason why it was decided to include this as a Promise (No: 22) by 2010."

Swindon is also growing rapidly and that growth is likely to continue, bringing fresh demands for leisure service provision. The Council needs to ensure that it is planning now for the long term needs. It is imperative to ensure the continued success of facilities and services throughout the Borough, through careful planning, based on a thorough understanding of current and future needs, current provision and the implications of action or non-action.

Cllr Tomlinson said: “We are not only looking at the Oasis and Link Centres and we have already invested in a number of other facilities during the last year. At the Delta Tennis Centre, the outdoor courts have been resurfaced and new floodlights installed. Haydon Centre has opened its new junior fitness suite and Broome Manor Golf Complex, recently voted in a magazine poll the “2^nd best municipal golf course in the country” have completed a major new drainage project which will enable the 18 hole course to remain open in all but the very worst of weathers. Other major projects underway or about to start include new pool changing rooms and showers at the Dorcan Recreation Complex and a redevelopment of the tennis courts and surrounding park area at St Mark’s Recreation Ground.”

“We are about to start work on providing a brand new Central Library for Swindon by 2008 (Promise No: 16) and the new/replacement facilities for sport and recreation will follow shortly afterwards. We are committed to having first class sport and leisure facilities for the people of Swindon to use and enjoy.”