Leisure centres are a uniquely British pastime. There’s nothing quite like a weekend spent swimming, playing a bit of five-a-side, or just catching up with mates, all in one venue.
But over the years, it’s fair to say that plenty of UK leisure centres have been somewhat neglected. Now, though, one landmark site is looking at making a splashy comeback. Bedford Borough Council is on the hunt for a partner to breathe new life into Oasis Beach Pool, which originally opened on Cardlington Road in 1991.
The place already has plenty going for it. Inside its striking pyramid-shaped building (yep, inspired by the Louvre in Paris), you’ll find a swimming pool with two flumes, bubbling air beds, a mushroom fountain, geysers, a bubble burst experience and even a party room.
Still, the council has bigger plans. It wants ‘significant redevelopment and reinvestment’ to revive Oasis Beach Pool as a next-level leisure centre (the site must stay a leisure facility). There’s also scope for a brand-new attraction on the riverside land next door.
‘Oasis Beach Pool has been a much-loved facility and as part of the council’s leisure strategy we have committed to protecting the site for leisure use for future generations of residents and visitors to the Borough,’ Councillor Sarah Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience, Leisure and Culture at Bedford Borough Council, said.
‘With the right investment and stewardship, we believe it can be reimagined as a modern, inclusive destination for local residents and the wider region.’
Oasis Beach Pool's new partner would also be among great company. Just down the road, the UK's first-ever Universal theme park is in the works, set to open in 2031. Details are hush-hush, but rumour has it the park could feature lands inspired by James Bond and Paddington, plus that could become the country's tallest rollercoaster – snatching the crown from Thorpe Park’s Hyperia.
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