Abandoned waterpark that was ‘inspiration for Oasis’ band name’ is now rotting shell – with flumes mouldy & overgrown
AN abandoned waterpark thought to be the inspiration for Oasis’s band name is now a rotting shell with mouldy and overgrown flumes.
The Gallagher brothers took the band’s name from a Inspiral Carpets which Liam hung up in his childhood bedroom.
One of the tour venues listed on the poster for the “Madchester” rock band was Oasis Leisure Centre in Swindon.
The leisure centre has been derelict for several years – attracting a number of trespassing urban explorers.
One named Mr Airborne filmed inside the abandoned leisure centre – showing overgrown Domebusters flumes.
He also spotted mould, water leaks and vegetation sprouting out of the carpets.
The building was surrounded by barbed wire after previous break-ins by urban explorers.
Mr Airborne said: “I am at a place I’ve been to twice before, and it’s always been madly secure.
“I got in once a couple of years ago, didn’t have a chance to set up a live and stuff.
“It’s not Fort Knox, I’m not getting in today, but I want to show you it because it’s cool as f*** to see.”
But the leisure centre’s owners slammed urban explorers for trespassing.
SevenCapital said: “It is highly disappointing that a small minority continue to trespass within the Oasis, putting both themselves and the venue at risk of harm.
“We continue to work with Swindon Borough Council to determine and confirm a viable solution for the Oasis.
History of Oasis Leisure Centre
THE Oasis Leisure Centre closed in November 2020 after GLL surrendered their lease of the building.
Since its closure the building has sat in an idle limbo and its future left in doubt.
Over the years it’s hosted gigs from some of the most famous bands in the world.
Even the iconic rock band, Oasis fronted by Liam & Noel Gallagher got it’s name from the centre after Noel visited in the early 90s with the band Inspiral Carpets.
The list of bands that have played the Oasis is extensive and includes: Scissor Sisters, Kings of Leon, Paulo Nutini, The Zutons, Razorlight, McFly, Pet Shop Boys, The Fratellis, The Kooks, Paul Weller, Lemar, JLS, Kasabian, Motorhead, Stereophonics, UB40, The 1975, Years & Years and Lilly Allen.
Also many comedians such as Jimmy Carr, John Bishop and Jason Manford.
“However, this type of behaviour is unhelpful and also demonstrates a clear disregard for those members of the community to whom the Oasis matters as a facility.”
Wiltshire Police said: “While it is not a criminal offence to trespass, it is clear from this website that these people are going into structures that are either derelict or are going to be demolished.
“Our advice to these people would be to stay out of these structures because if they injure themselves it could be hours or even days before help arrives.
“If something does happen it also puts the lives of those people in the emergency services at risk when they have to rescue these people as well.”